MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency could arrive in Wisconsin to begin damage assessment following historic flooding as soon as August 21, according to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
Crowley says members of the County’s Office of Emergency Management are working with the state in preparation for the arrival of FEMA. This as preliminary damage estimates in Milwaukee County alone now exceed $34 million.
“I joined our damage assessment teams in the community last week and spoke directly with residents affected by flooding. I’ve heard your stories, your challenges, and your calls for help. But I also heard your resilience and witnessed neighbors helping one another. That spirit of service is what defines Milwaukee,” said Crowley in a press release Tuesday.
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The announcement from Crowley comes the same day that Wisconsin’s entire congressional delegation sent a letter to FEMA Acting Director David Richardson requesting federal assistance following the historic flooding August 9 and 10.
“Federal assistance will be critical to repairing the damage from these severe weather events and supporting the longterm recovery of our communities,” wrote the delegation in part.
After damage assessments are completed, the FEMA Regional Administrator will make a recommendation on the issuance of a Presidential disaster declaration, which would authorize federal disaster assistance. Only President Trump has the ability to make a disaster declaration.
The County Office of Emergency Managment has completed 3,434 individual property assessments, according to Crowley. Of the completed assessments, approximately 53% of the inspected properties have been categorized as “destroyed” or having “major damage.”
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