State, feds moving at snail’s pace to help Western Wisconsin flood victims

Buffalo, Trempealeau and Eau Claire counties hit hard Aug. 10-11

Long gone from the news are the floods of about a month ago in Trempealeau, Buffalo and Eau Claire counties. 

But the damage lingers, says State Senator Kathleen Vinehout, and few seem to be listening.

“A lot of these people are low income,” she said. “Poverty exists all over Western Wisconsin. They have no resources and no ability to be able to rebuild their lives. They need help.”

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has issued an emergency declaration for all three counties, though Vinehout says relief from the state and federal government to the area is moving at a snail’s pace.

“They have been out,” Vinehout said. “They have documented. They have taken photos. They have made lots of phone calls. They’ve had public meetings. A lot of activity is happening at the county levels to get the wheels at the federal and state government moving to help people.”

Rains moved through parts of all three counties on August 10-11, dropping between 5-8 inches over a very short period of time. 

Flooding ensued and wrecked roads, farms, bridges and caused all sorts of damages to homes.

“The more I learn about emergency management and emergency help for people, the more I realize how difficult it is to jump through all the hoops that the federal government sets,” Vinehout said.