FEMA awards flood aid in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Residents of two Wisconsin counties hard-hit by record flooding will be eligible for federal flood aid, state authorities said.

Reacting to an appeal, the Federal Emergency Management Agency decided to make disaster aid available to individuals in Milwaukee and Grant Counties, Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle announced Saturday.

FEMA had previously approved disaster aid only for local governments in the two counties following the record floodwaters, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said.

Millions of dollars in loans and grants would be available for the state's affected residents, Lori Getter of the Wisconsin Emergency Management division said.

"This is good news," Getter said.

Residents can begin applying immediately, she said, and inspectors will come out to review properties.

The inspectors will assess damage, review insurance coverage and determine eligibility for aid.

"Each person will be different, but it will definitely be in the millions of dollars that will be brought into the state," Getter said.

She said FEMA's decision to provide aid for individuals, a turnaround from its initial decision, came after officials showed the agency more homes that had flood damage, pointing out in many cases basement bedrooms that had been used as full-time living spaces.