For More Information Contact:
Rep. Kaufert at 608-266-5719
Sen. Cowles at 1-800-334-1465
(MADISON) – Long-awaited legislation to expedite the $600 million Lower Fox River cleanup project was introduced on the Assembly floor today. Rep. Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) introduced the legislation co-authored by Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay) that clarifies the collection process of insurance money from multiple insurers relating to the Fox River cleanup efforts.
“In many respects, the Fox River is the lifeblood of the Fox Valley economy and has been for centuries,” said Kaufert. “Fox River Valley residents have been waiting 30 years for this environmental problem to be resolved, and this legislation will ensure that the cleanup starts sooner and costs less.”
While the paper industry has already invested $130 million for cleanup efforts and has accepted legal responsibility to do more, insurers have refused to pay out any of the paper companies’ liability policies spanning more than 20 years.
“This bill is the right thing to do,” said Cowles. “It will save money and protect both our jobs and our environment.” Cowles will be introducing a companion to the Assembly bill in the Senate.
