Wis. governor to pursue disaster declaration for flooding

Gov. Jim Doyle says he plans to pursue a disaster declaration Tuesday to try to get federal help for flood-weary residents in Milwaukee County, even though the Federal Emergency Management Agency hasn't yet surveyed the damage.

FEMA officials are expected to tour flood damage in Milwaukee County on Wednesday, and in Grant and possibly other counties starting Monday. FEMA's assessment determines whether the flooding is considered a major disaster, making residents eligible for federal help.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett Monday urged Doyle to speed up efforts to get help for those hit by last week's storms.

Flood damage in Milwaukee County is now estimated at $37.5 million. Almost 9,600 homes in Milwaukee County were damaged, with about 200 suffering major damage and five destroyed.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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