Flooding in July washed out roads across northern Wisconsin (Photo: WI Emergency Management)
Governor Scott Walker has requested a federal disaster declaration for a large area northwestern Wisconsin. The request covers 9 counties – Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Florence, Iron, Price, Sawyer, and Washburn – as well as the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Torrential rains and flash floods last month caused more than $25 million dollars in damage to roads and public infrastructure. The request is for federal assistance to help local governments recover from the disaster. Last week FEMA and state agencies conducted damage assessments with local and tribal officials.
Beginning on July 11, 2016, strong thunderstorms produced heavy rains, damaging winds, and hail. Flash flooding damaged roads and bridges and washed out culverts At Saxon Harbor, extensive damage included several boats and vehicles that sank and were eventually retrieved from the harbor.
Walker will make his third visit to the region on Friday. Walker initially surveyed the damage on July 12, and held meetings in Ashland and Hayward on July 25.