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 disaster@kenoshacounty.org.