Wisconsin

In July 2016, seven counties in Northwest Wisconsin – including Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Sawyer, and Washburn – and the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe, were struck by historic severe storm that caused major flood events throughout the region. Transportation infrastructure was heavily damaged when flood waters rose above the surface of roads and bridges. Many primary and secondary arterial roadways and culverts washed out in the wake of this historic flooding. One of the region’s most critical economic assets, Saxon Harbor, was completely destroyed, and the major roadways bisecting northern Wisconsin were completely shut down. Business disruption and impacts to commerce were also significant, as many communities were left completely isolated due to road closures. Total public infrastructure damage was estimated at $38 million.

To support the recovery effort, in September 2016, EDA invested $477,205 in Economic Adjustment Assistance funds to the Northwest Regional Planning Commission in Spooner, Wisconsin to help the region improve its economic resiliency through coordinated recovery plans and prioritize strategic infrastructure investments to maintain commerce following disasters. This investment will support efforts to identify, evaluate, and address critical infrastructure in the event of a natural disaster, particularly the economic impact related to commerce, emergency services, transportation, communication, and utilities.