Overview
This analysis shows how millions of dollars in environmental impact fees distributed to Wisconsin communities hosting transmission lines have helped support infrastructure upgrades, broadband expansion, local economic development and more. Major transmission line projects in Wisconsin — CAPx2020, Badger-Coulee, and Cardinal-Hickory Creek — have already given communities throughout Wisconsin the chance to make otherwise costly investments.
Key Points
- Significant Local Investment: Over $14.9 million in environmental impact fees have been allocated across Wisconsin communities, with the Cardinal-Hickory Creek project alone accounting for over half due to its higher cost.
- Broad Range of Community Uses: Funds support essential local needs like infrastructure, water and flood management, parks and recreation, broadband expansion, and economic initiatives.
- Rural Revitalization: The fees provide much-needed revenue for rural counties facing stagnant state aid and rising costs, strengthening public services, recreational amenities, and community resilience.
Summary
The way we generate and use energy is changing. The climate crisis and low-cost renewables are driving a shift from generating electricity at large fossil fuel power plants to clean energy. At the same time, transportation, heating and cooling, and other commercial and residential uses are increasingly electrifying. These changes will have tremendous impacts on the electricity grid.
Experts agree that a clean energy transition requires a major expansion of the electric power transmission system. Transmission lines can bring clean, renewable energy from solar- and wind-rich areas to population centers. Building a larger and robust energy grid can insulate the grid from storms and extreme weather patterns, adding reliability and resilience—both of which will be needed more than ever in a changing climate.
Counties, towns, villages, and cities affected by these large public amenities are proportionally awarded a one-time 5% fee and annual 0.3% fee, both based on the cost of the line. The host county receives half of the fees, and municipalities hosting within the county split the rest.
This analysis tracks how those funds are being invested in local projects across three major transmission initiatives. The largest expenditures are for local infrastructure improvements such as roads, equipment, and facilities. Other significant uses include broadband expansion to underserved areas, well testing and water quality projects, flood mitigation, and park development.
Important Takeaways
- Economic Value: Environmental impact fees have distributed $14.9 million to local governments, serving as a lifeline for small-town budgets under fiscal strain.
- Infrastructure Investment: Nearly $7 million have gone toward improving local infrastructure including road repairs, fire stations and maintenance equipment.
- Water And Flood Projects: Communities have put $2.8 million toward groundwater testing, flood mitigation, nutrient management, and water safety and resilience efforts.
- Community Enrichment: Parks, trails, campgrounds and conservation projects like the Trempealeau Refuge Learning Center have gotten $2.6 million in funding.
- Innovation And Flexibility: Counties around the state are using funds creatively, including Buffalo County’s loan fund and Iowa County’s EV charging partnership. Projects like these show how communities are prioritizing long-term community and environmental health.
