35 properties removed from 100-year flood zone in Wood River

Oct. 19--WOOD RIVER -- The City of Wood River recently petitioned to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, through the Letter of Map Revision, LOMR, process to successfully have 35 properties removed from the 100-year flood zone. The measure means good news for those property owners in the Avalon Street/Glendale Gardens area of the city.

This will allow property owners in that area, of the properties who have home mortgages, to no longer carry flood insurance. Following the approved application, the map will be finalized Feb. 9, 2018.

According to Director of Public Services Steve Palen, the city began the process about three years ago.

"We want to put this out there now so people know, before it becomes effective," said Palen. "Sometimes FEMA takes a bit of time to tell the banks the insurance is no longer required."

According to FEMA's website, as of August, 121 policies were in force in incorporated Wood River.

Property owners should receive letters in the mail from both FEMA and the city of Wood River.

For questions or further information, call the city's public services department at 618-251-3122.

In other business, Palen recommended new lighting fixtures be placed in Wood River. The purpose for the upgrades is to provide more efficient and brighter LED lighting, while saving the city money. The recommendation was made to the city council at its public meeting Monday.

Lighting upgrades would be madealong the streets of the city's downtown, the parking lot behind downtown businesses, and lighting on the residential street Jones Way.

The three projects are mostly funded through a grant from Ameren, where rebates of 15 percent are available if projects are finalized by the end of November. Taking into consideration the rebate and a 5-year buyback opportunity, the city expects to pay out of pocket about $8,000 on the projects totaling roughly $31,000.

Reach reporter Brittany Johnson at 618-208-6460, ext. 1396.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

------

9:32 pm |

0

Taboo Paranormal sets up Alton shop, brings new haunted tour to town

8:21 pm

Updated: 9:47 pm. |

1

Final call: Police, community salute faithful, four-legged officer Degen

5:56 pm

Updated: 5:58 pm. |

0

The Telegraph's 'Fun 5' events this weekend

___

(c)2017 The Telegraph (Alton, Ill.)

Visit The Telegraph (Alton, Ill.) at www.thetelegraph.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.