NEW LONDON, Wis. (WBAY) – Cleanup and repair work continues across northeast Wisconsin more than a month after heavy rain caused flooding in Outagamie and Waupaca counties.
The flood waters have receded, but residents are continuing to repair their homes, businesses and communities.
Last week, FEMA teams assessed flood damage on the ground, asking home and business owners about their damage to help Gov. Tony Evers determine whether to request a federal disaster declaration.
The state has until May 23 to make that formal request to the White House, where President Donald Trump will then make a decision.
If it is declared a disaster, homeowners and renters will be able to apply on their own for FEMA funding.
In Waupaca County, three imminent dam failures during the flooding led to evacuation orders.
WBAY spoke with Emergency Management Director Zac Van Asten about what goes into making those life and death decisions.
Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson said that in all his years in office, he has dealt with a lot of natural disasters, but had never met a member of FEMA in person until this year, when several of the communities he serves found themselves underwater.
WBAY spoke with him about the county’s recovery efforts and where they stand.
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