Contact:
Tom Evenson
(608) 266-2839

MADISON – Governor Scott Walker requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conduct preliminary damage assessments next week in 11 western Wisconsin counties hit hard by flooding last month. FEMA officials will begin looking at flood damage to public infrastructure such as roads and bridges.

“July was a tough month in Wisconsin with the widespread flooding across the state,” Governor Walker said. “The flooding caused millions of dollars in damage to roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure in western Wisconsin. I look forward to having FEMA in our state to assess damages as we look toward possibly requesting federal disaster assistance.”

The 11 counties in which FEMA will conduct preliminary damage assessments (PDA) are Buffalo, Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Jackson, La Crosse, Lafayette, Monroe, Richland, Trempealeau, and Vernon counties. The PDAs are expected to begin next Tuesday.

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. Damage to public infrastructure, emergency protective measures, and debris removal costs are estimated to be more than $12 million in the 11 impacted counties.

County damage assessments to homes and businesses in those counties showed seven homes destroyed, 32 homes sustained major damage, 114 with minor damage, and 871 affected. There was one business destroyed, seven with major damage, and 39 with minor damage. While many families and businesses were impacted by the flooding, the local damage assessments showed the state would not qualify for federal aid for individuals. State agencies and non-profit agencies are working to help those families with unmet needs.

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