Flood Assistance

From the Watertown Daily Times

JEFFERSON - Jefferson County has issued a declaration of emergency as a first step in an attempt to obtain funding to help individuals, businesses, and municipal governments recover from damages received as a result of recent and current flooding.

The Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management announced today it plans to engage in discussions with various agencies to see if any type of funding is available, according to Donna C. Haugom, director of emergency management.

Jefferson County Board Chairwoman Sharon Schmeling said that under state statutes and a Jefferson County Emergency Management ordinance, she decided to declare a county state of emergency due to high water levels with moderate flooding of the Rock, Crawfish and Bark Rivers. Also included is Lake Koshkonong. This flooding has affected roadways, agricultural land, businesses and approximately 150 to 200 homes.

“As a result of the many requests the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management has received for assistance, I find that a disaster exists which requires additional support and resources in the form of individual and public assistance for affected residents and municipalities of Jefferson County to recover from the devastation caused by the flooding,” Schmeling said.