Shoreline construction rules revised

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - State environmental officials have revised new shoreline building rules.

The Natural Resources Board in June approved the first changes to the regulations in more than 40 years. The Assembly Natural Resources Committee, though, asked for revisions.

One of the key changes reduces the zone around lakes where impervious surface restrictions apply. Another generally prohibits horizontal expansions on pre-existing structures within 75 feet of the water, rather than 35 feet.

The rules will go into effect early next year if no lawmakers object.

Rep. Spencer Black, a Madison Democrat who leads the Assembly Natural Resources committee, calls the rules a good compromise. A message left at the office of Sen. Mark Miller, a Monona Democrat who chairs the state Senate environmental committee, wasn't immediately returned.