MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Two Wisconsin senators unveiled a compromise package Tuesday aimed at helping Gogebic Taconite build an iron ore mine near Hurley, while preserving the public’s interest. Assembly Republican leaders immediately objected to the package from moderate Senate Republican Dale Schultz and Democrat Bob Jauch, who represents the proposed mining site. Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, Republican Majority Leader Scott Suder, and finance chair Robin Vos all said they were open to a more moderate plan than what the full Assembly passed last month – but the Schultz-Jauch package was not what they had in mind. The compromise was developed after Senate GOP leader Scott Fitzgerald said he did not have the votes to pass the Assembly’s version of the mining bill – and there had to be something different that everyone could support before the Legislature adjourns for the year on March 15th. The Schultz-Jauch compromise calls for a 540-day limit for the DNR to approve iron ore mining permits, instead of the 360-days in the Assembly bill. It would also continue the present policy of letting local communities keep all the sales tax revenue from the products at their mines, instead of giving 40% of that to Madison as the Assembly prescribed. Also, the public could challenge DNR decisions in the final phase of a mining permit review – but not in the early phases for the purpose of endlessly delaying projects. Jauch called it fair-and-flexible plan that provides certainty for mine developers, while protecting what he calls “the public voice.” If nothing passes by March 15th, the issue is dead at least until next year – and Gogebic Taconite has said it might abandon the mine unless something is approved now.
