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While preliminary figures suggest southeastern Wisconsin will qualify
for federal disaster assistance after this month’s flooding, Kenosha
County officials remain engaged in the process of applying for a
Presidential disaster declaration.
The counties included in Gov.
Scott Walker’s recent state disaster declaration – including Kenosha –
have deadlines in the coming days to report economic impact and specific
damage estimates associated with the floods.
Nearly $8.2 million
in damage to public infrastructure must be accounted for statewide for
the region to qualify for a Presidential disaster declaration. According
to the most recent report from Wisconsin Emergency Management, as of
Sunday night, more than $8.4 million in damage was reported, including
$1.7 million in Kenosha County.
A total of 1,300 Kenosha County
homes were reported affected by the floods, including 14 that sustained
major damage. Four Kenosha County businesses reported major damage.
Damage
totals may fluctuate, however, as the federal government reviews
submissions from counties and municipalities. Federal Emergency
Management Agency personnel are expected in Kenosha County to conduct
these reviews early next week.
Lt. Horace Staples, Kenosha County
Emergency Management director, is leading the coordination between
various county departments and divisions and affected municipalities to
compile the required information under FEMA’s tight timelines.
“Lt.
Staples and our county departments are working hard to ensure that
Kenosha County is able to draw down the highest possible amount of
federal and state money to help us recover from this disaster,” Kenosha
County Executive Jim Kreuser said. “We appreciate everyone’s help with
this, whether it’s a homeowner calling to report damage to a basement,
or a village public works staff carefully documenting the emergency
repairs that needed to be made to washed-out roads.”
Kenosha
County residents who experienced damage from flooding who have not yet
reported it to the county’s Emergency Management Flood Hotline are asked
to do so immediately. Further reports may improve the county’s position
in applying for outside assistance.
The flood hotline may be
reached at 262-605-7924; callers will then be asked to leave a message
describing the damage. Reports may also be made via email at
[email protected].