Feds OK Disaster Loans For Western Wis., SE Minn.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker says federal officials have granted his request to provide low-interest disaster loans to individuals and businesses impacted by flash flooding in western Wisconsin in August.

Walker announced Thursday that the U.S. Small Business Administration has declared Buffalo County as well as the contiguous counties of Eau Claire, Pepin and Trempealeau eligible for loans. The SBA also listed Minnesota's Wabasha and Winona counties as eligible.

Homeowners in those counties can get up to $200,000 to repair or replace damaged homes. Businesses can get up to $2 million.

Eight inches of rain fell on the region on Aug. 11, causing flash flooding and damaging homes, businesses and roads. Buffalo County emergency officials have reported more than 25 homes and businesses sustained significant damage and uninsured losses exceeded 40 percent.