The governor is seeking a federal disaster declaration for portions of northern Wisconsin. Governor Scott Walker is asking for federal assistance to help local governments in three northwestern Wisconsin counties hit by flooding last month.
Walker says the flash floods in parts of Ashland, Bayfield, and Douglas Counties damaged hundreds of roads, culverts and portions of the UW-Superior campus. Storms in mid-June dumped 8-10 inches of rain on the region over two days, causing widespread damage. On the UW-Superior campus, 14 buildings sustained water damage, including the library and power plant.
The request also covers the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
A disaster declaration would allow local governments to access federal assistance programs. Businesses and homeowners did not receive the level of damage necessary to qualify for federal aid.
A recent assessment of the area found over 8.6-million-dollars in damage to public infrastructure was caused by the flooding.