U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Calls on U.S. Department of Transportation for Emergency Funding to Repair Roads and Bridges Damaged by Flooding in Western Wisconsin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin has called on U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to make federal Emergency Relief fund available to help repair roads and bridges damaged by recent severe storms and flooding in western Wisconsin.

“Torrential rain and flooding has severely damaged many important roads and bridges in communities throughout western Wisconsin,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m calling on the Department of Transportation to continue our productive partnership and make these emergency funds available to help ensure Wisconsinites have safe access food, water, gas and other necessities.”

In a letter to Secretary Foxx, Senator Baldwin outlined how severe storms in August and September caused widespread flooding and mudslides that damaged roads and bridges throughout western Wisconsin. More than 80 sites in Buffalo, Chippewa, Crawford, Eau Claire, Trempealeau and Vernon counties have been identified as eligible for Emergency Relief by the Federal Highway Administration. Funding from the U.S. DOT would ensure Wisconsinites in these counties have access to safe transportation as they recover from the severe weather and flooding.  

Additionally, Senator Baldwin joined members of the Wisconsin delegation last week in sending a letter to President Obama requesting prompt federal support for 12 counties in western Wisconsin. 

In July, Senator Baldwin traveled to northern Wisconsin with the Wisconsin National Guard to tour areas most affected by flooding in that area. After witnessing sections of highways and roads that had been destroyed, Senator Baldwin sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Foxx urging emergency federal funds to repair and reopen roads. As a result, U.S. DOT provided Emergency Relief funds to help expedite repairs. 

An online version of the letter is available here.