The Private Sewage System Replacement or Rehabilitation Grant Program was established in 1978 to provide financial incentives to protect public health, safety, and the waters of the state of Wisconsin. The program prescribes that all Wisconsin counties, Indian tribes, and municipalities within Milwaukee County may apply to the Division of Safety and Buildings for grants to assist owners of so-called “principal residences” and small commercial establishments in rehabilitating or replacing a failing private sewage system. It is a voluntary program, and maximum grant award amounts are established in tables published in Commerce 87, Wisconsin Admin. Code, or $7000.
As of April 1, 1999, 65 counties in Wisconsin (all except Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Florence, and Taylor), the Oneida Tribe, and the City of Franklin within Milwaukee County were participating in the program. From its inception through 2002 the program has awarded over $58 million in grants for nearly 28,000 residences and businesses statewide.
The records in this series document the policy development and administration of the program from its 1978 inception onwards. Also included are application guidelines, documentation on legislation relevant to the program and revisions of relevant administrative codes, specific applications and/or inquiries from individuals, and related correspondence and other documentation.
