FEMA says mining bill could cut federal flood insurance [The Wisconsin State Journal]

Jan. 26--A provision in the Assembly mine permitting bill being considered in the state Legislature Thursday could jeopardize the state's access to federal flood insurance, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

In a letter to state Rep. Brett Hulsey, D-Madison, who requested comment from the federal agency, the chief of FEMA's floodplain management branch said part of the Assembly bill that exempts mines from floodplain ordinances could prompt the agency to "seek enforcement of requirements that include suspension from the program."

Hulsey said Wisconsin property owners hold about 18,000 federal flood insurance policies through the National Flood Insurance Program representing about $3.1 billion in coverage.

The Assembly on Thursday is debating a bill that would streamline permitting for iron mines, such as the $1.5 billion taconite mine proposed by Gogebic Taconite for the Penokee Range south of Ashland.

The bill gives the state Department of Natural Resources 360 days to act on an iron permit application. It also relaxes a number of environmental protections for lakes, rivers and wetlands.

One of those provisions would allow a mining company to dispose of mining waste in a floodplain.

But the letter from David Stearrett, chief of FEMA's floodplain management branch, said mining is specifically mentioned in a list of floodplain activities that would jeopardize communities' ability to qualify for federal flood insurance.

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