In Multi-Agency Effort, Wisconsin Sends Resources to Hurricane Harvey

MADISON – In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Governor Scott Walker announced that Wisconsin agencies are sending resources to Texas to lend a helping hand. Participating agencies include the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WDOT), the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (WDATCP), and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM).

“Texas needs help and it’s with great pride we can offer support through this coordinated multi-agency effort,” said Governor Scott Walker. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims as they recover from this devastating storm.”

Fifteen individuals from these state agencies are representing the Department of Natural Resources Incident Management Teams. These individuals, along with two members of the Minnesota DNR, will respond to College Station, Texas, to manage a supply receiving and distribution center.

“With the ongoing challenges we’ve all been witnessing in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, we know resources nationally are spread thin,” says Trent Marty, WDNR Forest Protection Director. “The State of Texas made a special request for our team. Requests like this from outside Wisconsin’s borders are not uncommon. Everyone benefits from this type of shared effort.”

The sharing of state and federal resources is an approach that helps all agencies involved make more efficient use of available resources. Other added values include increased training opportunities and the ability to gain outside experience, which can be brought home to enhance in-state incident response.

The Wisconsin National Guard has provided a RC-26 aircraft and is in the process of deploying Wisconsin’s 22-member 54th Civil Support Team. Additionally, the entire 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team remains ready to be ordered to state active duty and provide support to civil authorities. Additional information is forthcoming.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.