By KAREN PARKER | County Line Publisher Emerita
Attorney George Wilbur’s efforts with the Wisconsin DNR may have finally had some effect.
After the devastating 2018 flood, the Village of Ontario commissioned MSA Engineering to develop floodplain maps that included elevations. To this point, the village has operated under FEMA maps that essentially only delineated the actual flood plain. The maps also did not reflect any changes that may have occurred with the dam removal and the realignment of Highway 131.
While the new maps were submitted many months ago, it appears there has been no response. Ontario village clerk Terri Taylor said getting the DNR to even return a phone call could be difficult. At last month’s board meeting, George Wilbur said he had spoken with Megan Duffy at the DNR and she indicated she was in the process of examining the project.
The new maps more clearly mark flood fringe, a designation that allows for more liberal enforcement of the floodplain ordinance. If accepted by the DNR and FEMA, the new maps would provide clearer guidance on projects such as the proposed shelter on the former Ontario Community Hall property.
Last week, Wilbur told the board that he had followed up with a letter to Preston Cole, DNR secretary, asking that he expedite the matter.
Wilbur, an area resident since 1974, currently serves as Chair of Whitestown township. He is running for a county board supervisor position opposed by Paul Wilson.
