Water permitting bill headed to Gov. Walker's desk

MADISON (AP) -- The state Assembly passed a bill Friday that would ease restrictions on pier and dock construction on state waters.

Currently the Department of Natural Resources issues general or individualized permits allowing such construction activity. General permits are broad, one-size-fits-all authorization. Individual permits are customized permission slips for specific projects.

The Republican bill would grant the DNR the authority to issue general permits for any activity that currently requires an individual permit, easing the regulatory path for shoreline property owners and developers.

The Assembly passed the bill 54-29 Friday afternoon. The Senate approved it earlier this month. It goes next to Gov. Scott Walker for his signature.