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Doyle seeking federal aid for Green, Lafayette counties
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MONROE - Green County spent $67,000 to clean up after the Feb. 5-6 snowstorm.

That was a financial disaster as well as a weather disaster, according to Gov. Jim Doyle.

Doyle on Thursday requested federal disaster aid for 13 counties, including Green and Lafayette County. Between 12 and 19 inches of snow fell on southern Wisconsin Feb. 5-6.

Doyle noted the storm produced record snowfall in many areas and strained local governments' budgets as cleanup crews were pushed to clear the roads.

The money would go to local governments to help cover 75 percent of eligible costs.

Dick Marti, patrol supervisor at the Green County Highway Department, said the county spent $67,000 to clear roads during a three-day period that began Feb. 5 and ended Feb. 7.

Marti said the county spent $14,500 on Feb. 5, $26,500 on Feb. 6 and $26,000 on Feb. 7.

This year's snow amount has put a strain on the county's road cleanup budget, Marti said.

So far, in 2008, Green County has spent $575,000 to clear the roads.

The county's 2008 budget to clear roads of snow is $615,000. That leaves $40,000 left for the rest of this season and for November and December, Marti said.

Marti said highway crews will continue to plow and clear roads regardless of how much snow falls or how much it costs.

Doyle is seeking disaster assistance for Dane, Dodge, Green, Jefferson, Kenosha, Lafayette, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties.