Gov. Scott Walker
Press Release

Governor Walker Surveys Flood Damage, Declares State of Emergency

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the flooding.”

By - Jul 13th, 2017 08:48 am

MADISON – Governor Scott Walker today declared a State of Emergency for Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth Counties following damaging storms that caused widespread flooding across the southeast region.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the flooding,” Governor Walker said. “I have instructed state agencies and the Wisconsin National Guard to help those affected by the flooding and to continue to provide resources to assist with the response and recovery efforts. I thank the Wisconsin National Guard, Wisconsin Emergency Management, and all state agencies for their coordinated response to this emergency.”

Governor Walker is surveying the damage this morning in Burlington in Racine County with local and state officials including Major General Donald Dunbar, Adjutant General of the Wisconsin National Guard.

Many homes and businesses have been impacted by flooding. Sandbagging efforts continue throughout the region. So far, there have been no reports of fatalities.

Between 6-8 inches of rain fell overnight Tuesday causing widespread flooding. The heavy rains resulted in several rivers to rise to above major flood stage including the Fox River. The Fox River at Burlington crested this morning at a record 16.1 feet and will crest later today at New Munster in Kenosha County.   The Fox River is expected to remain above major flood stage throughout the weekend.

Governor Walker directed state agencies to help those affected by the storms and called the Wisconsin National Guard to state active duty, as Adjutant General Donald Dunbar deems necessary, to assist local authorities in the recovery efforts. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Administration, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Wisconsin Emergency Management have been assisting with response and recovery efforts.

A copy of Governor Walker’s Executive Order is attached.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

5 thoughts on “Governor Walker Surveys Flood Damage, Declares State of Emergency”

  1. Rita Reinke says:

    Yes, much sadness for those affected by the flooding…but the dubious part of me thinks that the Governor’s quick response with resources is a part of his preparation for re-election.

    Our Governor has so many “thoughts and prayers” these days…easy response. Are his thoughts and prayers also for the future of health care recipients who won’t have health care?

  2. AG says:

    Must we politicize everything? Now even sending in emergency resources is a cause for concern?

    Rite, I’m sure if he was late in calling up the Guard or other services, you’d be all over what a terrible governor he is.

  3. Rita Reinke says:

    Sorry AG…it’s the sign of the times. Politicians play a game…very sad. We are the collateral,

  4. Vincent Hanna says:

    Rita I do not like Walker at all but this is a legitimate crisis and he must respond quickly right? If he spends three minutes handing out relief supplies and then uses that in a campaign ad to make himself look good, that’s a different story. But as the governor I don’t see how him responding quickly to this situation is in and of itself a cynical political calculation.

  5. Rita Reinke says:

    Of course. I agree on a quick response; it’s not the action, it’s the motive…I’m just getting cynical with the political world.

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