Wisconsin's governor asks for federal disaster help

WSIN (Wisconsin): On Saturday, Gov. Jim Doyle formally requested a federal disaster declaration for three southern Wisconsin counties hit hard by recent storms and flooding. “These floods have devastated the lives of so many Wisconsin families," Doyle said. "I’m hopeful that the federal government will provide assistance to help those affected begin to recover from this disaster.”

The request came after the Federal Emergency Management Agency completed its assessment of the damage. Doyle's letter seeks assistance for families and businesses suffering from severe weather that struck Grant, Milwaukee and Waukesha counties last week.

Beginning on July 22, a string of storms moved through southern Wisconsin and produced torrential rain, hail and strong winds. Flooding was widespread in the Milwaukee area, and hundreds of homes were affected. On July 23, Grant County was hit by flash flooding.

Officials with FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Wisconsin Emergency Management wrapped up their damage assessments in the flooded communities on Saturday. “I want to recognize the state, local and federal officials who have been moving quickly to respond to the damage caused by a string of severe storms,” Doyle said….

Local reporters interview Wisconsin State Governor Jim Doyle June 9, 2008, at the site of a 245-acre lake in the town of Lake Delton, Wis., which overflowed earlier that day, destroying several homes as it breached a local highway, and completely drained into the nearby Wisconsin River. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman/Released)