Contacts: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Lori Getter, Wisconsin Emergency Management, 608-242-3239, cell 608-516-0293
Also Announces FEMA Will Provide Aid to Local Governments in Calumet County
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is making available federal disaster assistance for people affected by July’s flooding in Milwaukee and Grant counties. Individuals in these counties affected by the flooding from July 20-24 may apply for federal grants through FEMA. Governor Doyle appealed an earlier decision that had denied FEMA assistance to individuals and businesses.
“I want to thank FEMA for answering the state’s call to provide aid to families and businesses affected by July’s devastating storms,” Governor Doyle said. “After my appeal, FEMA came back to Wisconsin and conducted new assessments that made the difference in getting real relief to the people of Milwaukee and Grant counties.”
Individuals in Grant and Milwaukee Counties who suffered financial loss as a result of the flood are now eligible to apply for federal grants through FEMA. Federal low interest loan programs are now also available to both individuals and businesses for costs associated with rebuilding and repairs. Those living in the declared counties can apply for individual assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or online at http://www.fema.gov.
Last month, Governor Doyle announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) made assistance available to local units of government affected by floods in Grant and Milwaukee Counties.
Governor Doyle also announced that FEMA has made a major disaster declaration for Calumet County, making assistance available to local units of government affected by flooding and storm damage that occurred July 20-24. The FEMA Public Assistance disaster aid will help communities recover the costs of equipment usage, debris removal, search and rescue operations, emergency protective measures and repair work to public infrastructure.
“I want to again thank FEMA for their commitment to help Wisconsin communities recover from this summer’s floods,” Governor Doyle said. “This funding will provide critical support to our efforts to rebuild and repair roads and other damaged infrastructure in Calumet County.”
Under the Public Assistance program, FEMA will provide reimbursement to local and state agencies and certain private non-profit agencies for at least 75 percent of the total eligible costs. The state of Wisconsin provides 12.5 percent.
FEMA continues to review the state’s application for individual assistance in Waukesha County.
