Sen. Scott Fitzgerald: Flood response shows best of Wisconsin

Scott Fitzgerald  —  7/07/2008 5:31 am

Dear Editor: As flood waters have ravaged our state over the last few weeks, it is clear that Wisconsin's reputation for hard work and being a good neighbor wasn't created out of thin air. Across the 13th state Senate District that I represent, from the hard-hit Jefferson to Beaver Dam, neighbors pitched in, filled sand bags, and even helped evacuate homes.

It was a relief when the Federal Emergency Management Agency declared Dodge, Jefferson, and Waukesha counties federal disaster areas. I encourage victims of flood damage to contact FEMA as soon as possible to begin the process for receiving assistance. The Dodge County Disaster Recovery Center is located at the Public Safety Building at 128 Cross St. in Juneau. The Jefferson County Disaster Recovery Center is located at the UW-Extension, 864 Collins Road in Jefferson. Both are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. FEMA urges residents to register at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA before visiting a disaster recovery center.

Now that the flood waters are beginning to recede, it is a good time to examine the government's response to the disaster. Much of the response was very impressive, but it is also possible that some responses fell short.

For this reason, I have requested that a joint legislative committee be formed to examine the state's response to this disaster and the ensuing cleanup. It would be instructive for the Legislature to hear what worked well, where we fell short, and suggestions for changes moving forward. The committee should also review our bridge and dam programs to see how this critical infrastructure performed.

Hopefully the committee can meet over the next several months and into next year, forwarding its recommendations to the full Legislature in the next legislative session.

Sen. Scott Fitzgerald

Juneau

Scott Fitzgerald  —  7/07/2008 5:31 am