Governor Requests Disaster Aid for June Flood Victims
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 07/27/2012
You know it's been an interesting summer when just 24 hours after the state announced a plethora of drought declarations, it began asking for help because of flooding. On Thursday, Governor Scott Walker requested a federal disaster declaration for three northwest Wisconsin counties hit hard by last month's
heavy rains. The request is for federal assistance to help local governments recover from the disaster.
"Last month's flash flooding damaged hundreds of roads and culverts, as well as the UW-Superior campus," said Governor Walker. "The financial impact is a huge burden on many of these towns and villages."
Ashland, Bayfield and Douglas Counties as well as the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa were the areas listed in the request. The Public Assistance Program would help communities recover some of the costs incurred through fighting the floods, protecting citizens and repairing infrastructure. The
program is not for businesses or homeowners as the level of damage in these areas unfortunately does not currently meet requirements for federal relief.
The aid is being requested after a severe thunderstorm dumped 8-10 inches of rain over northwestern Wisconsin on June 19-20 causing significant damage to homes, businesses and roads. The University of Wisconsin-Superior was hit particularly hard sustaining water damage to 14 buildings including the library
and power plant.
Last week, officials conducted damage assessments, where they verified more than $8.6 million in damage to the public infrastructure.
