FEMA to Arrive in Dane County

June 16, 2008
J. McLellan 267-2542
Emergency Management

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6/16/08 Issuing Department: Emergency Management For more information contact: J. McLellan, Dept. of Emergency Management 608/267-2542 MO Damage Assessment Reference #061608-01 Available at: www.co.dane.wi.us FEMA to Arrive in Dane County FEMA will be in Dane County Thursday, June 19 to conduct a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA). County Executive Kathleen Falk said, “We will show FEMA the nearly $36 million in devastation caused by the recent flooding and storms in the hopes of earning the help of the federal government." The PDA is a part of the process where FEMA verifies the extent and impact of damages to local property and infrastructure. Citizens and businesses need to report their flood and storm related damage to their local unit of government! Dane County has met the minimum eligibility thresholds for Public Assistance. There is no minimal qualification for private sector assistance. The FEMA preliminary damage assessment of public infrastructure will be utilized by the Governor’s Office in requesting federal disaster assistance for local and county governments. As of 6:00pm Friday, June 13, the following PRELIMINARY damage estimates have been reported to Dane County: Estimated Residential Losses $4,604,249 (2,166 Residences) Estimated Business Losses $542,000 (120 businesses) Estimated Public Losses $2,643,474 (Govt. losses / expenditures) Estimated Agricultural Losses $28,000,000 Total Estimate $35,789,723 Heavy agricultural losses have been reported for corn and soy beans. These numbers will change as more damage estimates are reported. These numbers will always be estimates of incurred damage. Lake levels have been very stable over the past 12-36 hours. They should continue to be that way and begin to decrease in the days ahead. Water flows into Lake Mendota have decreased substantially. The Land and Water Resources Department will continue to operate at its current water discharge levels for the near future. Levels on Lakes Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa have hit all-time highs during the recent flooding. Levels on Lake Mendota neared an all-time high. The “Slow, No Wake” order is still in effect across all these lakes. The Dane County Sheriff’s has issued citations for $161 to violators. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office has reported more piers, watercraft, and large floating debris, INCLUDING BOGS, on the lakes. Persons are implored to secure any and all items near or on any body of water! Persons working in and around flood waters need to pay close attention to their personal hygiene. Flood waters contain a wide variety of bacteria and viruses. Generous amounts of soap and water are the preferred method of cleaning up after working in flood waters, hand sanitizers are good if soap and water are not available. Its especially important to wash before eating or drinking! For more information regarding personal health around flood waters, persons may either contact Public Health Madison and Dane County by telephone at 266-4821 or visit them on the web at www.publichealthmdc.com. Current county road closures include: · US 14 at WI 92 · CTH W south of Utica Additionally, Highway 106 is one lane from US 73 to the Jefferson County line. For the latest state road closures, persons may call 1-800-ROADWIS (762-3947). Road conditions are continuously changing!! Sheriff David Mahoney urges drivers to slow down! Drivers need to allow extra reaction time for unexpected changes in road conditions. ###