Gov. Evers requests FEMA support in wake of flash flooding in southeastern Wisconsin

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Governor Tony Evers announced Wednesday, Aug. 13, he is submitting a request for FEMA -- the Federal Emergency Management Agency -- to conduct a formal assessment of damage caused by flash flooding and storms over the weekend.

The recovery process is "going to take significant time and resources," wrote Governor Evers. He added, "It’s clear we will need additional federal resources and support to do so."

On Wednesday, Wisconsin Emergency Management reported its initial review "suggests Wisconsin will meet the federal threshold to receive federal aid and assistance."

But several boxes must be checked first, and in order.

It begins with assessing the damage caused by the storms and flooding. State investigators have been collecting data since the storms hit "and will submit this information to FEMA as soon as possible."

In a letter to FEMA's acting regional administrator, Evers is now asking FEMA to help with "a formal federal preliminary damage assessment."

FEMA confirmed receipt of the letter Wednesday, and said the office remains in close contact with state officials.

At a news conference Wednesday, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said, "Now we're waiting on President Donald Trump's administration to administer FEMA aid to people who live here in Milwaukee."

Johnson said Democratic lawmakers in Washington are trying to help. And Republican Representative Scott Fitzgerald wrote a letter urging FEMA to declare a state of emergency.

If FEMA agrees the damage is significant enough, a presidential disaster declaration could be issued.

That declaration determines which types of funding will be provided.

Dr. Michael Totoraitis, the commissioner of the Milwaukee Health Department, said, "It's critically important for the region to be able to unlock dollars for federal assistance."

Evers wrote Wednesday, "It is absolutely critical that Wisconsin receives every available federal resource to ensure we can adequately respond and help our local communities rebuild."

But it's not a guarantee the president will issue that declaration.

Johnson said, "We all, of course, hope the answer to that is 'yes.'"

To help bolster its case, local leaders are urging people to keep reporting damage. "That's very, very important," Johnson said. "It's going to help with our disaster declaration."

The best way to report damage is through the city's website or by calling 211.

Right now, there's no timeline on when FEMA investigators could be in the area.

And when we asked when Governor Evers will be back in southeast Wisconsin, a spokesperson said, "we'll keep you posted."

The Governor's full statement reads:

“Disastrous storms and flash flooding across our state in recent days have displaced kids and families and damaged homes, businesses, community centers, and so much more. The damage caused by recent extreme weather is extensive, and it’s going to take significant time and resources to recover, repair infrastructure, and help support the folks and communities who have been affected. It’s clear we will need additional federal resources and support to do so,” said Gov. Evers. “It is absolutely critical that Wisconsin receives every available federal resource to ensure we can adequately respond and help our local communities rebuild. I am requesting urgent federal assistance and aid from FEMA to support our recovery efforts for Wisconsinites, communities, and our state.”

The governor's office says a formal preliminary damage assessment from FEMA is completed after initial state and local assessments are conducted, and is the next step toward Wisconsin receiving a formal presidential disaster proclamation and federal disaster relief.

For more information on the public assistance process after a presidential declaration can be found here.