Mayor Johnson provides update on flood recovery efforts, federal disaster funding

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As people continue to dry out and clean up from the floods, city agencies are preparing to apply for federal disaster funding. 

At a news conference Tuesday, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson gave a brief update on the recovery efforts. 

Garbage drop-off locations will now be open through 6 p.m. every day through at least Sunday, Aug. 17, to accommodate as many people as possible. 

DPW has fielded more than 1,000 calls for service and the forestry department has taken more than 100 calls for downed trees blocking roads. Three library locations are still closed as a result of storm damage. 

Mayor Johnson said Governor Evers joined him Monday to tour some of the affected areas. Investigators are collecting data in support of a federal disaster declaration. The amount of damage will determine how much financial assistance the city is eligible for. 

"They're collecting that information and my hope is that very soon, they'll be able to get it over to the appropriate federal agencies in order to start providing relief to citizens in Milwaukee," said Mayor Johnson. 

People can call the city to report damage, but the easiest way is to go to the city's website and use the "click for action" tool on the top right.