MADISON – Governor Scott Walker today sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting a federal disaster declaration for multiple Wisconsin counties damaged by flooding and severe storms that impacted the state between August 17, 2018, and September 14, 2018. Governor Walker’s request includes Adams, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Juneau, La Crosse, Marquette, Monroe, Ozaukee, Richland, Sauk, and Vernon counties for both Public Assistance and Individual Assistance; Iron County for Public Assistance only; and Columbia, Jefferson and Washington counties for Individual Assistance only.
“The storms Wisconsin experienced during August and September claimed two lives and caused massive amounts of damage in several communities,” said Governor Walker. “The effect of the storms on the people of Wisconsin is severe, and the resources needed to help with their recovery far exceed what state and local officials currently have available. It is essential that the federal government provide needed assistance.”
Beginning on August 17, a weather pattern entered the state that marked the start of several weeks of intense storms and heavy rainfall across much of southern and central Wisconsin. These storms produced devastating flash flooding in multiple regions, resulted in seven dam failures, and caused several lakes and rivers to spill out of their banks and damage homes, bridges, and roads. The storms also produced 19 tornadoes and damaging winds on August 28. Several rivers remained above flood stage well into mid-September. The extent of the damage prompted the Governor to declare a statewide state of emergency to help with response efforts.
Beginning last week, FEMA, the Small Business Administration, Wisconsin Emergency Management, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources conducted damage assessments across the impacted area with local officials. The review found the cost of the local government response to the floods and estimated damage repairs will total more than $37.2 million. It also found 370 private homes were destroyed or suffered major damage, while another 925 received minor damage or were affected.
A copy of Governor Walker’s letter to President Trump is available here.
