Wis. Stat. § 30.196: Enclosure of navigable waters; issuance of permits to municipalities.

A municipality may enclose navigable waters by directing, placing or restricting navigable waters into an enclosed drain, conduit, storm sewer or similar structure if the department grants the municipality an individual permit. The department may grant this permit to a municipality after following the notice and hearing requirements under s. 30.208 (3) to (5) if it finds that granting the permit:

(1) Is in the public interest;

(2) Will not violate public rights; and

(3) Will not endanger life, health or property.