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Money earmarked for snow cleanup, but more is coming

JANESVILLE — Just because today is the first day of spring doesn’t mean winter is over.

Or at least that part about white flakes falling from the sky.

A storm moving through southern Wisconsin tonight through Friday could dump 5 to 9 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures are expected to climb back into the 40s by early next week.

More bad news: The Rock River will keep rising, and the National Weather Service expects it to be above flood stage by Friday night. A flood warning has been issued for the river at Afton until further notice.

At 7:15 this morning, the stage was at 8.77 feet. Flood stage is 9 feet, and the river is expected to rise to near 10.7 feet by Wednesday night. At 10.5 feet, water affects some homes, businesses and streets in the Riverside Park and Main Street areas of Janesville, according to the National Weather Service.

OK, how about some good news: Rock and Walworth counties will receive federal money to help pay for the cleanup of the winter’s biggest storm.

President Bush said Wednesday he will give Wisconsin federal money to help pay for plowing, salting, overtime and the state National Guard’s response to the record or near-record snowfall—between 11 and 29 inches—on Feb. 5 and 6.

“This winter has been tough for Wisconsin and has strained many crews who have worked long days and nights to keep the roads clear and safe,” Gov. Jim Doyle said in a statement.

The money likely will be distributed next month to local and state agencies, also including Dane, Dodge, Green, Jefferson, Milwaukee and Washington counties, Wisconsin Emergency Management spokeswoman Lori Getter said. The assistance is not for individuals or private businesses.

The announcement leaves local or state agencies to cover only 12.5 percent of costs, as FEMA will reimburse local and state agencies for 75 percent of the total eligible costs, and the state of Wisconsin will cover 12.5 percent.

Snowstorm costs totaled about $230,000 in Janesville, said John Whitcomb, operations director. But the city now will have to narrow that number down to expenses created in a 48-hour period, he said.

“Obviously it will help,” he said. “Money is money, and it all helps.”

Walworth County spent nearly $52,000 for snow removal on county roads and about the same for plowing on state roads, said Shane Crawford, public works director. Crawford’s not sure how the reimbursement will work for the state highway portion, but in any case, he said it’s the first good news of the winter.

“It’s great news,” he said. “This winter’s just been a relatively difficult one to bear, budget wise.”

The National Guard also responded to a massive backup on Interstate 90/39 between Madison and Janesville on Feb. 6. Doyle noted the storm caused schools to close, flights to be canceled and shopping activity to be curtailed.

It is only the third time ever the state will receive federal funds for snowfall, Getter said. The last time 14 counties received $5.4 million for a snowfall in December 2000, Getter said.

The eight counties are eligible for funding to pay state and local government operations needed to protect public health and safety and to prevent damage to public or private property. They also can get funding for snow plowing, overtime and road salting efforts.

To receive assistance, a location must have received a record or near-record snowfall within a 48-hour period.