When Vernon County was included in the federal disaster declaration, many were hopeful that funds would be available to help in recovery from the 2018 flood event.
And, indeed, money was dispensed though the Community Development Block Grant program administered by the state. In addition, Wisconsin received a special appropriation of an additional $15,355,000.
Oddly enough, 80 percent of the money must be used in the most distressed county. Below is a breakdown of how the original disaster funds were appropriated, with only Dane County identified as most distressed, though Vernon County reported more damages.
COUNTY DAMAGES PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL
Adams $362,400 1%
Crawford $1,103,700 3%
Dane $11,451,90 33% (most distressed)
Dodge $289,600 1%
Iron $70,500 0%
Juneau $1,748,800 5%
La Crosse $1,359,200 4%
Marquette $972,100 3%
Monroe $3,353,200 10%
Richland $308,100 1%
Sauk $1,487,200 4%
Vernon $12,317,500 35%
TOTAL $34,824,200 100%
The full plan can be found at doa.wi.gov/Pages/AboutDOA/CDBG_Disaster-Recovery.aspx. A hearing was held on April 21, but comments on the plan are accepted for 30 days afterward.
Comments can be directed to Susan Brown, administrator, Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources; Susan.Brown@wisconsin.gov; or main: (608) 266-8234 | direct: (608) 266-2035.
Local officials are requesting that comments should stress the damage that was incurred in your community and urge that Vernon County be identified as “most distressed.”