Gov. Walker requests federal assistance for flooding damage

MADISON (WITI) -- Governor Scott Walker has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct a preliminary damage assessment (PDA) next week of public infrastructure damage caused by flooding in June.

The counties that will be assessed include Ashland, Crawford, Dane, Grant, Iowa, Richland, Sauk, St. Croix, and Vernon.

Gov. Walker took this action after touring damage with Major General Donald Dunbar, the Adjutant General of the Wisconsin National Guard, Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Brian Satula, local officials, and flood victims.

"Communities throughout Wisconsin were hit hard by flooding between June 21-27, and we are doing everything we can to help them," Governor Walker said.  "I saw firsthand the damage that was done in Grant and Crawford counties and the financial strain it is causing communities there and in other areas of Wisconsin."

“Hopefully, we can get the PDA completed quickly in order to provide much needed financial assistance to local governments,” said Major General Dunbar.

Local and tribal officials have estimated in excess of $8 million in debris clearance, emergency protective measures, and damage to roads and other public infrastructure.

FEMA teams will begin assessing damage the week of July 15, 2013.  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.