Wisconsin Small Business Owner Waiting for Federal Disaster Declaration After Flooding
WEST ALLIS, Wis. — More than a month after devastating floods submerged parts of Wisconsin, small business owners are still waiting for federal disaster relief, including one florist who lost nearly everything.
A Flower Shop Underwater
Kimberlee Grob, owner of Locker’s Florist, watched as historic flooding filled her shop. She later discovered water had destroyed her computers, delivery boxes, paper, fresh flower inventory, walls, and even a delivery van.
“It’s very much like starting over; you have to replace so much,” Grob said. “So many things that were continuing to work for you, things we were still paying for and things that we need to serve our customers”.
Her estimated losses stand at around $50,000.
Federal Aid Delays
In times of disaster, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) typically provides low-interest recovery loans. However, those loans can’t be accessed in Wisconsin until the President issues a federal disaster declaration.
Governor Tony Evers requested that declaration two weeks ago, but approval has not yet come through. The declaration would unlock SBA loans, FEMA assistance for homeowners and renters, and even potential penalty-free access to retirement funds.
Growing Concern for Neighbors
Grob says she’s trying to remain optimistic but worries deeply about others in her community who were hit even harder.
“I personally have been reaching out to our senators to try to encourage them to push things along and try to get us the help that we obviously need here,” she said. “I really hope that the president and his administration and the people involved with disaster relief will really take a hard look at Wisconsin, especially as we head into colder months here”.
Wisconsin Still Waiting
According to the SBA’s disaster records, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia have all received declarations for disasters that occurred after Wisconsin’s flooding. That leaves many in West Allis and surrounding communities feeling overlooked.
Do you think federal disaster declarations should be issued faster to support small business recovery? Share your thoughts with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
