Gov. Walker: Requests U.S. Small Business Administration damage assessment in La Crosse and Trempealeau counties

Contact: Tom Evenson
(608) 266-2839

Madison, Wisconsin – Governor Scott Walker has asked the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to review flood damage and meet with local and state officials in La Crosse and Trempealeau counties. The resulting information could be used to request SBA federal low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses that sustained damage from the July 19-23, 2017 flooding.

“Homeowners and businesses continue to clean up and rebuild following the devastating flooding in western Wisconsin,” said Governor Walker. “By reaching out to the U.S. Small Business Administration, we’re working to ensure disaster aid is provided to these families and businesses quickly so they are able to get back on their feet.”

Severe storms moved across western Wisconsin from July 19-23, 2017. The heavy rains caused flash flooding and several rivers to rise to major flood stage including the Trempealeau River at Arcadia.

County damage assessments show 37 homes and businesses in La Crosse County were destroyed or sustained major damage and 268 reported minor damage. In Trempealeau County, 19 homes and businesses were destroyed or suffered major damage. More than 200 homes sustained minor damage.

Last month, Governor Walker requested FEMA provide a federal disaster declaration for 11 western Wisconsin counties to assist with costs associated with damage to public infrastructure. That declaration request is still under review by FEMA. Under a SBA declaration, SBA offers home and personal property loans, business physical disaster loans and economic injury disaster loans.

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