Vos: 'Big Victory' Only Property Harmed During Flooding
Wisconsin emergency management officials say flood waters are beginning to recede in Burlington but thousands are still without power and the state Department of Natural Resources is monitoring a dam that sustained damage.
The Fox River in Burlington is expected to drop out of flood stage by Wednesday, said Wisconsin Emergency Management spokeswoman Lori Getter.
She said the city is beginning recovery efforts, including gathering information for damage estimates. About 4,000 homes were still without power Friday and the four bridges spanning the river remain closed.
She added the DNR is monitoring a dam that sustained a small amount of damage. She said officials plan to draw down Echo Lake over the next two weeks, which should help alleviate pressure on the structure.
The historic flooding forced businesses in Burlington to close while they wait for power to be restored, but residents are upbeat as cleanup efforts begin.
Bob Koldeway owns a bike shop in town and was spending the day Thursday mopping and drying the floor of his store after it flooded with more than 2 inches of rain Wednesday.
About 6 inches of rain hit Burlington early Wednesday morning, causing flooded basements. Many businesses and homeowners are pumping water out of basement and throwing out flood-damaged items.
Because a WE Energies substation is submerged in floodwater, thousands of people in the area without power.
Wisconsin Republican House Speaker Robin Vos, who owns a factory in town, called it a "big victory" that only property was harmed during the flooding.
About 100 Wisconsin National Guard soldiers are in the city to help local officials with traffic control, welfare checks and sandbagging.
In Kenosha County, sheriff's deputies are patrolling the flooded Fox by boat.
Flood clean-up kits from the Salvation Army are being made available at 13 locations, including town and village halls, the Kenosha County Job Center on Sheridan Rd. in the city and at the Kenosha County Center. The kits include a five-gallon bucket, various supplies that are useful in cleaning a home that's been damaged by water.
By the Associated Press, Wisconsin Public Radio and WGTD.
