FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2017
Contact: Tom Evenson, (608) 266-2839
Governor Walker Announces Federal Disaster Declaration for
July Flooding in Western Wisconsin
MADISON – Governor Scott Walker today announced a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) major disaster declaration for 11 counties impacted by flooding in western Wisconsin in July. The counties included in the declaration are Buffalo, Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Jackson, La Crosse, Lafayette, Monroe, Richland, Trempealeau and Vernon Counties.
“We are pleased these communities will receive this disaster assistance from FEMA,” said Governor Walker. “I would like to thank President Trump and FEMA for providing this assistance. It will help many communities as they continue to repair roads and bridges left damaged by the flash floods.”
Severe storms moved across western Wisconsin from July 19-22, 2017. The heavy rains caused flash flooding and several rivers to rise to major flood stage. FEMA damage assessments showed more than $10 million in damage to public infrastructure in the region.
The major disaster declaration is for Public Assistance, which covers eligible projects submitted by counties, cities, townships and certain private, not-for-profit organizations. The program is not for businesses or homeowners.
Communities in the affected counties are now eligible for federal disaster assistance. They should contact their county emergency management director for further information. Under the program, FEMA provides 75 percent of eligible costs, while state and local agencies share the remaining 25 percent.
Contact information for county emergency management directors can be found here: http://www.emergencymanagement.wi.gov/counties/county_directors.asp
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