June 18, 2004

WASHINGTON -- Wisconsin's senators and representatives called on the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Thursday in support of Governor Doyle's request for disaster assistance following flooding in 12 of the state's counties.

"Millions of dollars of flood damage has occurred throughout the state," the legislators wrote to Under Secretary Michael D. Brown. "The state and local governments have responded quickly to assist the impacted areas, but the flood damage is too extensive to mitigate without immediate federal assistance."

Rep. Tom Petri, who organized the delegation letter, remarked, "Hopefully, this is the step that's necessary in order to marshal federal resources to provide additional assistance to the communities, firms and individuals who are affected by this situation. It's very serious, and we should do what we can to help."

Sen. Herb Kohl said, "Thousands of Wisconsin families have been impacted by the widespread and record rainfalls, and understandably need help from our government. I hope that the Under Secretary hears the calls from these Wisconsin families and from Governor Doyle, and provides the needed federal emergency assistance that would alleviate some of the financial strain brought about by the flooding."

Sen. Russ Feingold said, "I am pleased to join with the rest of the Wisconsin congressional delegation in supporting the Governor's request for federal disaster assistance. Residents and public safety officials have been working hard to protect lives and property from the raging waters across southern Wisconsin."

Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner said, “After an uncharacteristically wet spring, twelve Wisconsin counties, including Jefferson and Ozaukee, experienced millions of dollars of flood damage. When nature strikes with such force, there is little we can do to stop or control her impact. But we can help the families who lost their homes and the farmers who lost their crops by lending them a helping hand. I hope Under Secretary Brown will quickly approve the Governor’s request for assistance so families in Wisconsin can go about getting their lives back in order.”

Rep. Paul Ryan said, “On top of strong local recovery efforts, federal aid would give needed help to our communities so they can get through this season of record rains and get back to normal as quickly as possible.”

Rep. Mark Green said, “The torrential rains that swept through Wisconsin in recent weeks took a tremendous toll on folks all across our state. Thousands of homes and businesses were badly damaged, many farm fields were devastated, and vital community services were seriously threatened. The federal government needs to step in and help our communities recover from this disaster.”

Rep. Ron Kind said, "Given the damage to Wisconsin property, public infrastructure and farmland, emergency federal relief is critical to recovering from this unforeseen blow to our communities."

Rep. Tammy Baldwin said, "I welcome the Governor's decision to seek federal aid. FEMA assistance will do much to help our communities and farms recover from the devastating effects of this year's record rainfall."

Rep. Jerry Kleczka said, “The extensive loss to farmland, homes, businesses, and infrastructure impacts the whole state. Hopefully, the support of the entire delegation will facilitate the quick FEMA approval of Governor Doyle’s request so that our Wisconsin citizens can begin to rebuild.”