Earlier today, Governor Scott Walker sent a letter to President Barack Obama requesting a federal disaster declaration for 12 Western Wisconsin counties affected by flooding.
Walker's letter comes after torrential rains and flash floods caused more than $11 million in damage to roads and public infrastructure last month.
"Once again, heavy rains caused flash flooding and mudslides over a large section of our state causing widespread damage to homes, businesses and roads,” Governor Walker said. “We need the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to quickly approve this request. The flooding has put huge strains on many local budgets and time is of the essence as crews are working hard to get these roads and bridges repaired before winter begins.”
The aid being requested through the Public Assistance Program would help communities recover some of the costs incurred fighting the floods, protecting citizens, removing debris, and repairing roads and other infrastructure.
While this program is not intended for business or homeowners, Walker is working with other federal and state agencies to find additional programs that could provide assistance to flood victims.
So far, federal disaster assistance has been requested for Adams, Chippewa, Clark, Crawford, Eau Claire, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Trempealeau, and Vernon Counties.
If the federal declaration is approved, FEMA will cover 75 percent of all eligible costs.
