July 6, 2012
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cullen Werwie, 608-267-7303

Governor Walker Seeks Federal Damage Assessment for Flood Damaged Northern Wisconsin

Madison—Gov. Walker today requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct a preliminary damage assessment (PDA) later this month of public infrastructure damage caused by flooding in June.  The counties and tribal land that will be assessed include Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas Counties and the tribal group, Red Cliff Bank of Lake Superior Chippewa.  The Governor took this action after touring the Superior area with Major General Donald Dunbar, the Adjutant General of the Wisconsin National Guard, Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Brian Satula, U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy (R-Wisconsin), State Rep. Nick Milroy (D-South Range), State Rep. Janet Bewley (D-Ashland), State Sen. Bob Jauch’s Chief of Staff Jeff Buhrandt, local officials and flood victims. 

"Communities throughout northwest Wisconsin were hit hard by damaging winds and flooding on June 19-20 and we are doing everything we can to help them," said Gov. Walker.  "I saw firsthand the damage that was done and the financial strain it is causing these local communities in their efforts to recover and rebuild."

Local and tribal officials have estimated $11 million in debris clearance, emergency protective measures and damage to roads and other public infrastructure.  The University of Wisconsin-Superior had over $8.5 million in flood damage.

FEMA teams will begin assessing damage on July 17.  The assessment is expected to take a couple of days to complete.  Information gathered will be provided to Governor Walker to help determine if the state will request a federal disaster declaration.   It is the first step to potentially request federal disaster assistance.

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