Gov. Walker Requests FEMA Reimbursement

Milwaukee is one of ten counties listed in Governor Walker's request for Federal Disaster Assistance for last month's nasty winter storm. The three-day blizzard accosted a large portion of the state, where emergency responders and snowplow drivers worked around the clock to manage the accumulation and keep roads safe.

Last week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency went to work calculating costs associated with the storm. As reported in Walker's request, FEMA concluded that the total eligible costs for the ten affected counties was more than $9.5 million. Walker has stated that he is hopeful for the disaster reimbursement because it would provide relief for local governments, alleviating their budgetary woes.  

For FEMA to grant a federal disaster declaration, at least near-record snowfalls must have been recorded in the affected area. Milwaukee's snowfall totals for January 31 through February 2 were some of the highest in the state's written history. During that time, Oak Creek was victim to persistent severe weather which accumulated to more than 18 inches of snow.

According to Oak Creek's City Administrator, the city spent $72,600 responding to the blizzard. More than 85% of which went to the city's State Department for salting and overtime costs.

If the federal declaration is made, FEMA would provide reimbursement for 75% of the estimated eligible costs for a 48-hour period of the blizzard. The remaining costs would come under the shared responsibility of state and local governments.

Apart from Milwaukee - Dane, Dodge, Grant, Iowa, Kenosha, Lafayette, Racine, Walworth and Washington counties were included in Gov. Walker's request.