Governor Doyle Announces Five More Counties Added to Disaster Declaration

MADISON — Governor Jim Doyle today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared a state of disaster for five more counties including Dodge, Green, Washington, Waukesha, and Winnebago counties, bringing the number of Wisconsin counties where individual assistance is available to twelve. Earlier this week, FEMA made federal assistance available to those living in Columbia, Crawford, Milwaukee, Racine, Richland, Sauk and Vernon counties and is conducting damage assessments to allow declarations in other counties.

“As we continue to assess the extensive damage across our state from severe weather and record rains and flooding, it is clear that we need to get assistance to families and businesses in these areas as quickly as possible,” Governor Doyle said. “We are pleased FEMA continues to work diligently to assess the remaining counties that have been devastated by severe weather.”

Governor Doyle declared a state of emergency in 30 counties after severe weather this month brought record floods and other damage across southern Wisconsin. FEMA is in ongoing damage assessments in those counties to make disaster declarations.

FEMA’s disaster declarations make federal money available for individual assistance, such as home repair and temporary housing costs. FEMA has already provided nearly $38,000 to flood victims in declared counties. Those living in counties declared a state of disaster can apply for individual assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or online at www.fema.gov.