As we assess the damage from the destructive storms that have hit twice in the past four days, I want to offer my services to those who have been affected. I've seen many hail- and wind-damaged properties firsthand. How tragic and unfortunate to see a family's hard-earned money, time and effort gone in just minutes. This is especially devastating considering these properties are some of the most productive and valuable farmlands in the entire state.
I am working with residents and local government officials, as well as state and local agencies, to report damages and ensure that Lafayette County gathers accurate damage totals. It is important to gather accurate information in order to assess which, if any relief funds may be available. In the most recent budget, I voted to authorize more than $1 million in matching state funds for local governments in this kind of predicament; specifically for local governments that must spend additional resources on infrastructure, debris removal and emergency protective services like clearing hail with snowplows, police and fire.
Although there is nothing we can do to prevent these damages, we can work to ensure that farmers, land owners and local governments are aware of the programs and resources available for these circumstances. After contacting your insurance company and taking pictures of the damage, there are a number of options. The Lafayette County Emergency Management Office located at 138 W. Catherine St. in Darlington is the first point of contact. Call John Reichling at (608) 776-4870 to report any residential or infrastructure damage. Farmers should contact the Farm Service Agency in Darlington at (608) 776-4028 with any crop or farm-related damages. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office at (608) 266-7502 or (888) 534-0051.
I am working with residents and local government officials, as well as state and local agencies, to report damages and ensure that Lafayette County gathers accurate damage totals. It is important to gather accurate information in order to assess which, if any relief funds may be available. In the most recent budget, I voted to authorize more than $1 million in matching state funds for local governments in this kind of predicament; specifically for local governments that must spend additional resources on infrastructure, debris removal and emergency protective services like clearing hail with snowplows, police and fire.
Although there is nothing we can do to prevent these damages, we can work to ensure that farmers, land owners and local governments are aware of the programs and resources available for these circumstances. After contacting your insurance company and taking pictures of the damage, there are a number of options. The Lafayette County Emergency Management Office located at 138 W. Catherine St. in Darlington is the first point of contact. Call John Reichling at (608) 776-4870 to report any residential or infrastructure damage. Farmers should contact the Farm Service Agency in Darlington at (608) 776-4028 with any crop or farm-related damages. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office at (608) 266-7502 or (888) 534-0051.
