Still no FEMA on the ground in Milwaukee area, a required step on long road to possible flood relief aid

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- More than a week after historic storms flooded many communities throughout the Milwaukee area, there is still uncertainty as to when FEMA will come to assess damage.

That step is required if flood victims are to ever receive federal disaster funds. No FEMA means no damage assessment, which means no disaster declaration. And that means no relief funding.

Everything hinges on FEMA right now, and on Monday, Aug. 18, we got no response from the agency about when they could arrive.

Matt Koeppler owns a bungalow in West Allis that he rents out. He told us, "It's a pretty hard sell not to have this as a disaster zone."

But so far, it's not. Four feet of water in the basement knocked out the furnaces and water heaters. Koeppler told us, "Since it's a duplex, it's double the fun."

So far, he's spent thousands to give his tenants livable conditions. "Nine… ten thousand… Let's see, fifteen thousand for the mechanicals. And then, we're not even in the mold remediation."

That's another $4,000 to $6,000 estimate, so far.

Koeppler says at this rate, he can only last maybe a month more. "Until we can get some relief. Otherwise, we're just shelling cash out left and right."

If not, he'll, "Start selling stuff. Cars. Assets."

If relief aid comes at all, it will be after FEMA assesses the damage, and that hasn't happened yet.

On Monday, all 15 Milwaukee alders signed a letter to the president and FEMA director on behalf of "our resilient yet shattered communities."

They're imploring the president to issue a presidential major disaster declaration for the flooding that "has devastated thousands, leaving families homeless, livelihoods destroyed, and futures uncertain."

In response to the Common Council's letter, a White House official told us, "The White House is prepared to respond appropriately to any request for Federal assistance."

But that declaration cannot happen without FEMA first assessing the damage.

Last Thursday, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley thought it would happen soon. "I've heard that there may be representatives from FEMA on the ground as early as Monday."

But Monday, Mayor Cavalier Johnson was still unsure, saying, "We don't know that just yet."

In the meantime, local leaders continue to ask for damage reports the state can compile. Johnson said, "And then FEMA will be on the ground. But I don't know the exact date of that."

The alders wrote to the President, "Milwaukee’s spirit endures, but its recovery hinges upon your help."

But time is running out for many, and the stakes are high.

We asked Koeppler if there is any chance he'll have to sell the house. He told us, "Yeah. Yeah. We'll have to sell."

Koeppler said his neighborhood is so close, looking out for each other, cooking for each other, and helping a couple in their 90s navigate this process.

Friends were able to track down water heaters in Grafton and West Bend. The installers are scheduled to come Tuesday morning.