Governor Scott Walker announced yesterday a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) major disaster declaration for northern Wisconsin counties impacted by flooding in July 2016.
The counties named in the declaration are Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Florence, Iron, Sawyer and Washburn Counties and the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe. Although impacted by the event, Price County did not sustain enough damage to qualify for the federal assistance.
Governor Walker said:
“This declaration allows local governments affected by the July floods to apply for assistance, which will help communities recover some of the costs incurred through fighting the floods and repairing infrastructure such as roads and removing debris.
“We will continue to work with the communities to help them quickly recover from the flooding.”
Last week, Governor Walker formally requested a federal disaster declaration for those areas impacted.
Multiple rounds of storms hit the area beginning 11 July 2016, bringing 8 to 12 inches of rain that caused widespread damage. Flash floods damaged numerous roads and bridges, washed out culverts, and devastated Saxon Harbor. Three people died during the floods in Wisconsin.
Wascott, recorded 10 inches (254 mm) of rain in 24 hours between 11 and 12 July, Gurney recorded 9.65 inches (245 mm) during the same period.
Preliminary damage assessments determined the storms caused more than $25 million in damage to public infrastructure across the state.
In a statement yesterday, the governor said that 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, as the level of damage in these areas does not currently meet requirements for federal relief.
