August 2, 2012
For Immediate Release
Governor Walker Announces Federal Disaster Declaration
Madison—Governor Scott Walker today announced a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) major disaster declaration for Ashland, Bayfield and Douglas Counties as well as the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. This declaration allows local governments affected by the June floods to apply for assistance, which will help communities recover some of the costs incurred through fighting the floods and repair infrastructure
“We will continue to help Wisconsin communities recover from these damaging floods,” Governor Walker said. “I am optimistic that we’ll be able to rebuild communities.”
Last week, Governor Walker formally requested a federal disaster declaration for three Wisconsin counties hit hard by flooding. The flooding began on June 19th when a severe thunderstorm dumped 8-10 inches of rain over northwestern Wisconsin 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.
Under the program, FEMA provides 75 percent of eligible costs, while state and local agencies share 12.5 percent of the costs.
In July, officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Wisconsin Emergency Management conducted damage assessments with local officials in the impacted communities. They verified more than $8.6 million in damage to the public infrastructure.
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