Milwaukee County Parks flood damage; County Executive, parks staff survey

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee County leaders are adding up the cost of flood damage at parks, trails, bridges and golf courses.

What we know:

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Milwaukee County Parks staff surveyed on Monday, Aug. 25, flood-related damage at parks in the community.

Crowley and Milwaukee County Parks Director Guy Smith spoke at length about some of the damage being surveyed in the parks. Smith estimated there was roughly $52,000 in damage at Jacobus Park. 

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But more is being surveyed.

What they're saying:

"We've got at least 20 to 25 sites that we're going to be submitting, documentation on," Smith said. "We were just at Currie Golf Course. There were trees down everywhere, major water damage. So we don't have the entire course open. But because we have diehard golfers, we have plenty of golfers that are still out there."

"I want to be very clear. You know, this this is the damage that we see," Crowley said. "When we're talking about water damage, there may be other damage that may come for a couple of days or even a couple of weeks. And we know that that can show up in sinkholes all around, all around Milwaukee County."

Crowley said the latest estimate totals more than $34 million in damage to public property alone. He added that the number will likely grow as inspections continue.

"This is going to be costly damage for us moving forward," he added.

Two weeks after historic floods swept through the area, county leaders are still working to tally up the impact.

"Got at least 25 sites that we are going to be submitting documentation on," Smith said.

Crowley said almost every site inspected so far comes with a minimum of $50,000 in damage.

"This is the damage, but when we are talking about water damage there may be other damage that may come for a couple days or weeks and we know that can show up in sinkholes all around," he said.

He emphasized that while the county is tackling immediate needs, federal help will be crucial.

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"It's going to take federal assistance to really recover to the timeframe or place we deserve to be at," Crowley said. "Because of the widespread damage."

What's next:

The county is working with its own engineers and contractors to assess bridge safety. 

There is no word yet on a FEMA timeline.