Wisc. Gov. Walker requests federal disaster declaration for 11 western counties

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is asking for a federal disaster declaration for 11 western counties — including several bordering Minnesota — that were damaged by flooding earlier this summer.  The request comes after torrential rains and flash flooding in July did more than 10-million-dollars in damage to roads and public infrastructure. If the disaster declaration is approved, it would allow federal assistance to go to local governments. Buffalo, Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Jackson, La Crosse, Lafayette, Monroe, Richland, Trempealeau and Vernon counties all received damage during the severe storms July 19th through 23rd.  Businesses and homeowners would not qualify for aid, because the level of damage caused by the flooding does not currently meet what’s required to receive federal relief.