Wisconsin will probably rely heavily on federal dollars to carry out repairs to hundreds of small dams that are in poor condition following two consecutive years of punishing storms.

Matt Frank, secretary of the state Department of Natural Resources, said the repairs needed are so extensive that he anticipates seeking a substantial amount of money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He commented Monday after touring flood-stressed dams in the Kickapoo Valley.

Meanwhile, flood-weary local officials, such as those in Vernon County, where 22 dams are in need of more than $10 million in repairs, said they remain frustrated at not being able to get money to repair their dams.

"We definitely don't have a lot of options," said Kelly Jacobs, a conservationist with Vernon County. "We're even talking about instituting a sales tax to pay for repairs."

Jacobs also said the county does not hold out much hope for money from FEMA because many of the county's dams were built under a U.S. Department of Agriculture flood-control program that does not allow the use of the federal emergency dollars.

Nearly $500,000 is needed in the county just for emergency repairs to four of the dams that are in the worst shape, Jacobs said.

State dollars for such repairs have been scarce. A state dam maintenance and repair fund, under which money was provided for dam repair beginning in 1990, has been empty since 2001.

Frank said after his tour that some state money may again be forthcoming after this year's flooding. But he said the state will press hard for money from the federal government.

"It's really going to take a partnership between state, county and local governments," Frank said. "But it is going to require federal assistance."

A meeting about funding for dam repair is scheduled for Wednesday between members of Gov. Jim Doyle's staff, DNR officials and state legislators.

Wisconsin has about 3,800 dams. The federal government regulates about 200 of them — the large concrete dams that are used to generate electricity.

The rest, mostly small dams, are regulated by the DNR.

During the recent flooding, five dams have failed, 18 have significant damage and 25 are awaiting further inspection because they remain under water. Hundreds of dams are still awaiting repairs from August's floods.

Phillip Clark, a spokesman for FEMA, said Monday it is too early in the agency's assessment of Wisconsin flooding to know how much money will be necessary for repair to dams and other infrastructure.