Gov. Walker signs bill to cover lead pipe replacement: 'Vital to protecting residents'
MADISON — Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill designed to help Wisconsin homeowners cover the cost of replacing lead pipes.
The measure would allow public water utilities and local governments to provide grants, loans or both to property owners to help them replace portions of lead water pipes running from houses to the street.
The governor signed the bill Wednesday in Milwaukee.
Walker said this in a statement:
“The health and safety of Wisconsin families is our top priority. Replacing lead service lines is vital to protecting Wisconsin residents from the dangers of lead in our drinking water. Thank you to both Senator Robert Cowles and Rep. Jeremy Theisfeldt for their leadership in writing this legislation; as a result of their efforts, this bill passed with overwhelming, bipartisan support in both the Senate and Assembly. With tools provided through the Leading on Lead Act, local governments will have the opportunity to act on this important public health issue."