Entrance upon real property by a metropolitan sewerage district including a 1st class city. (FE)
Impact
The introduction of AB587 represents a significant shift in how local governments might interact with metropolitan utility districts. By allowing MMSD to access county parks without financial compensation, the legislation could expedite infrastructure projects essential for flood management and maintain sewer systems more efficiently. However, the prohibition on compensation also introduces concerns about the potential devaluation of county park assets and local autonomy over land management decisions. In-kind replacement or restoration of facilities is permitted, although the practical application of this provision may vary based on the specific circumstances of impacted areas.
Summary
Assembly Bill 587 (AB587) is a legislative proposal introduced to empower the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) to access county parkland for sewer construction and maintenance. This bill specifically allows the MMSD to enter any county-owned parkland after providing a notice period of 30 days, ensuring that the district can perform crucial responsibilities related to its sewerage system and flood management projects. Notably, the bill stipulates that MMSD will not be required to pay a county for this access, which raises potential implications concerning local governance and property rights.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding AB587 is the balance between utility needs and local control. While supporters argue that the bill facilitates timely interventions for crucial sewerage and flood management projects, critics may voice concerns about the lack of compensation and the impact on local parkland. The act of allowing a metropolitan body access to public land owned by counties could set a precedent that affects future legislative measures regarding public utilities and land use, pushing the boundaries on how much authority is afforded to larger metropolitan entities over local governance.