FEMA extends flood relief deadline

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended the flood relief application deadline by a month, giving Wisconsin residents until Sept. 15 to register for disaster assistance.

The announcement should come as welcome news to residents who have just returned to their properties in the last couple of weeks. Dozens were stymied by slowly receding water, particularly along the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong in Jefferson County.

"There are houses that still have water around them, and there are still sandbags up," said Donna Haugom, emergency management director in Jefferson County. "There's still a lot of people in a turmoil, if you will, trying to get their arms around what they're dealing with."

Residents and business owners who sustained flood damage to their property are encouraged to register by calling FEMA at (800) 621-3362.

They also can apply at the Disaster Recovery Centers that remain open in Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, Winnebago, Jefferson, Rock, Adams and Monroe counties.

To date, FEMA has allocated $42 million in disaster assistance grants, and the Small Business Administration has authorized roughly $17 million in low-interest loans to Wisconsin residents who reported flood damage.

"As recovery funds continue to be distributed, I urge anyone with damages and who has not registered to do so now," said Dolph Diemont, FEMA's federal coordinating officer in Wisconsin.