FEMA Update And Flooding Task Force

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As you may know, FEMA has now activated aid through their Individual Assistance program for individuals affected by this summer's floods. Their decision to now grant this category of assistance for affected areas – including Milwaukee County – will provide aid to community members working to recover, repair, and replace their property and belongings. The eligibility for the different types of FEMA disaster aid will be dependent on each individual's circumstances and the inspection of their property by FEMA.

However, the most important step for individuals who would like to apply for Individual Assistance is to register with FEMA as soon as possible. You may register by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA or online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

It is my understanding that FEMA will soon open a disaster recovery center for people to meet with FEMA staff one-on-one regarding their Individual Assistance application. For more information on the Individual Assistance program, please visit my website (www.legis.wi.gov/assembly/asm22/news/) and click on the “Flood Info” tab.

I am pleased by FEMA’s decision to offer assistance to individuals and businesses affected by this summer’s storms. However, we must continue to take a collaborative and thoughtful approach in examining ways to mitigate future incidents. In turn, I am happy to note that I have been appointed to serve on the City of Milwaukee’s Flooding Study Task Force.

This eight-member task force was created to propose remedies for storm water and sewage flooding within the greater Milwaukee area. We will soon begin addressing issues that may have contributed to the significant damage we sustained and have been directed to report our findings no later than May 31, 2011. While I have been discussing various ideas and proposals with area officials throughout the past several weeks, I look forward to begin deliberating on ways to mitigate damage from future storms with fellow task force members and other community members.