The state will shift $15 million in federal community grants to help areas affected by the disastrous June flooding, Gov. Jim Doyle said Thursday. 

"The June flooding has had (a) widespread and devastating impact on citizens and businesses across southern and central Wisconsin, and it is important we direct our resources to the recovery effort," Doyle said.

Doyle spokesman Lee Sensenbrenner said the money might be able to help places such as Gays Mills that are considering moving parts of the community out of a flood plain to prevent future disasters.

The money could also help low- and moderate-income homeowners repair homes damaged by flooding and help local governments pay for damage to public infrastructure not covered by insurance or other federal help.

Communities will have to apply to the state for the funding, which comes from federal Small Cities Community Development Block Grant funds, Sensenbrenner said.