Saturday night Governor Jim Doyle formally requested a federal disaster declaration for three southern Wisconsin counties hit hard by recent storms and flooding, following the completion of FEMA's assessment work which is required before a declaration can be sought.

The request is for federal assistance for individuals, families and businesses suffering from last week’s severe weather in Grant, Milwaukee and Waukesha counties.

“I want to recognize the state, local and federal officials who have been moving quickly to respond to the damage caused by a string of severe storms,” Governor Doyle said. “These floods have devastated the lives of so many Wisconsin families. I’m hopeful that the federal government will provide assistance to help those affected begin to recover from this disaster.”

A series of storms producing torrential rain, hail and strong winds moved through southern Wisconsin beginning on July 22. Flooding was widespread in the Milwaukee area with hundreds of homes affected. The next night, several areas of Grant County were hit by flash flooding.

Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration and Wisconsin Emergency Management have been conducting damage assessments in the flooded communities. The teams wrapped up their damage assessments on Saturday.

In the request, the Governor is also requesting public assistance for local governments in Grant and Milwaukee counties to help recover some of their costs incurred through fighting the floods, protecting citizens and repairing infrastructure.

Governor Doyle’s letter to President Obama is attached to this story.