Wisconsin Ag Connection - Walker Issues Declaration to Assist Areas Impacted by Heavy Rain

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Walker Issues Declaration to Assist Areas Impacted by Heavy Rain
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 08/30/2016

Governor Scott Walker issued another executive order on Monday declaring a State of Emergency in areas of the state that have been affected by heavy rain and flooding. The latest declaration helps local governments and residents in Eau Claire, Buffalo and Trempealeau Counties recover from the damages caused by severe storms and flooding, which occurred on August 10-11.

As part of the order, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation has requested the Federal Highway Administration release emergency funds to help with an estimated $1.8 million in damages to Federal-aid highways in three counties.

"Heavy rains earlier this month resulted in significant damage to public and private properties across a portion of western Wisconsin," Walker said. "We're focusing state and federal resources to repair damaged infrastructure and keep people and commerce moving."

In a letter to the FHWA, WisDOT Secretary Mark Gottlieb requested the federal emergency funds to help repair roadways damaged when five to eight inches of rain fell in the three-county area. The flooding and runoff resulted in several road closures, but all state highways were reopened to traffic on August 16.

Secretary Gottlieb says the governor's executive order and request for federal emergency funds are vital steps in helping state and local governments recover from this natural disaster.

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