Town of River Falls: New flood zone map may require flood insurance for some; new electronics recycling laws

Talk about it

Zoning Administrator Jerome Rodewald discussed the updated Pierce County flood plain map at last week’s Town Board meeting.

The map, which is developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is more accurate than before because it is now digitalized.

Rodewald said that the town is responsible for ensuring that structures are not built on flood zone lands.

He stated that there are currently several buildings that have been identified as being in a flood plain. The buildings are mainly machine sheds that have been around for years.

Rodewald explained that owners will be required to obtain flood insurance for any buildings existing in flood zones. Banks will contact homeowners to notify them of this requirement.

Supervisor Brad Mogen asked Rodewald how banks know whether a building is in the flood zone and Rodewald replied by saying that because the banks are financing the structures, they routinely check FEMA flood plain maps. Rodewald said that he will review the town’s zoning ordinances to ensure they are up-to-date.

In other action:

Michele DeLong-Reiter with the Recycling Center was present to discuss the new electronics recycling law. The law, which goes into effect January 1, 2010, requires manufacturers of electronics to accept financial responsibility for the collection and recycling of used electronics.

Read more about these and other topics discussed at the meeting in this week's print edition of the River Falls Journal.

Patricia Huber can be reached at phuber0722@gmail.com

Tags: local news, river falls township, flood plain, communities, politics, government, insurance, recycling