A flood damaged road in Iron County (Photo: Iron Co. Sheriff’s office)
Members of the state’s Congressional delegation are calling on President Obama to help residents in flood-damaged areas in northern Wisconsin.
Congressman Sean Duffy (R-WI) and Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), both Republicans, sent a letter to the President this week asking for disaster assistance following severe storms, torrential rain, and flooding. The flooding is blamed for at least three deaths and has caused widespread damage across the region.
On Tuesday, Governor Scott Walker declared a state of emergency in Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Sawyer, Washburn and Price counties. Duffy and Johnson asked that, if Wisconsin seeks federal resources to help with the recovery, the request be reviewed as quickly as possible.
Engineers are currently evaluating damage to bridges and roads. Several key roadways in the region remain closed due to washouts, including U.S. Highway 2, state Highway 13 and U.S. Highway 63.