Governor Doyle Requests Damage Assessment

Date: June 30, 2009
Contacts: Carla Vigue, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Michael Lampton, U.S. Small Business Administration, 404-331-0333

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today requested the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) assess flood damaged homes and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin following heavy rains that occurred in June. This assessment would be the first step to determine if there is enough damage to qualify for low-interest loans.

"Home and business owners across southeast Wisconsin are working together to rebuild after this month's flash flooding," Governor Doyle said. "I will continue work to get the people and communities affected by these floods the help they need to rebuild their homes, businesses and lives."

A series of thunderstorms moved across Southern Wisconsin June 18-19, dumping over five inches of rain in some locations. Flash flooding and sewer backups were reported in Kenosha and Racine Counties. Kenosha County reported over 1200 homes with flood damage.

The SBA teams will begin looking at flood damage next week in Kenosha and Racine Counties. After the damage assessments are completed, Governor Doyle will then request the SBA assistance. If approved, the SBA Disaster Assistance program offers loans of up to $200,000 to cover repairs to disaster-damaged homes. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to replace personal property. Low-interest loans are also available to businesses that sustained damage from the storms as well as economic loss.

Residents that have not yet contacted their county emergency management office with storm or flood damages, should contact Kenosha County Emergency Management at 262-605-7926 or 262-605-7928 or e-mail at EMDisaster@co.kenosha.wi.us or Racine County Emergency Management at 262-636-3515.