Paul Ryan Tours Flood-Ravaged Burlington

RACINE COUNTY, WI — Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Janesville) returned to his home district Thursday - though not the type of visit he was hoping for.

Ryan left Washington D.C. to tour Burlington, which had been hit hard by flooding over the past week as the Fox River overflowed its banks and into the city.

The damage at this point is incalculable, though in a press conference following Thursday's tour, Ryan thanked all the first responders and public workers who came to the aid of fellow residents over this trying time.

Ryan stated that Burlington could get FEMA disaster aid, but it was too soon to tell if the amount of damage rose to the level that triggers FEMA disaster funding. Yet, Ryan encouraged flooding victims to keep track of their damages in order for officials to get an accurate valuation of the toll mother nature has taken.

Victims are urged to report damage reports by calling 211 or toll free at 866-211-3380.

Related Reading:

State of Emergency in Wisconsin

Watch as Flood Waters Burst Through House

State of Emergency Declared in Racine County

Governor Scott Walker declared a State of Emergency for Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth Counties following damaging storms that caused widespread flooding across the southeast region.

A major section of Burlington was without power as of Thursday afternoon, and hundreds of residents were forced to evacuate their homes near the Fox River and affected areas.

“I have instructed state agencies and the Wisconsin National Guard to help those affected by the flooding and to continue to provide resources to assist with the response and recovery efforts," Walker stated Thursday morning.

The Fox River at Burlington crested Thursday morning at a record 16.1, and is expected to remain above major flood stage throughout the weekend.

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