WI SB825

Adds "categorical exclusion" as a defined term in Wisconsin statutes, referencing the federal standard under 23 CFR 771.117 that exempts certain highway projects from full environmental impact statements or assessments

Expands the types of environmental documentation that satisfy prerequisites for major highway project approval by the Transportation Projects Commission to include draft categorical exclusions, in addition to environmental impact statements and environmental assessments

Allows the Department of Transportation to submit project approval requests to the commission after completing a draft categorical exclusion, providing an alternative pathway to the existing environmental impact statement or assessment requirements

Requires commission notification that environmental documentation (now including categorical exclusions) has been approved by DOT or the Federal Highway Administration before recommending project approval with the 6-year construction commencement requirement