Representative Oldenburg’s Pre Disaster Flood Resilience Program Signed Into Law

For Immediate Release                                               CONTACT: Rep. Loren Oldenburg          April 3rd, 2024                                                                                                       (608) 237-9196

Representative Oldenburg’s Pre Disaster Flood Resilience Program Signed Into Law:

MADISON – Representative Oldenburg (R-Viroqua) authored Senate Bill 222. Senate Bill 222 was signed into law on April 3, 2024 and is now 2023 Wisconsin Act 265.

2023 Wisconsin Act 265 creates a pre disaster flood resilience grant program aimed at understanding flood flows and completing projects that mitigate flood risks by restoring healthy wetlands. “Finding more permanent solutions to flooding has been a top priority for me since being elected to the Assembly in 2018” said Oldenburg, “In light of the historic flooding we experienced along the Mississippi River last spring, this program is needed now more than ever.”

Through this new program, a community that has been impacted by flooding can apply for assessment grants to pin point what caused the disaster, whether it be high levels of erosion, ruptured dams, etc. After identifying the issue, the same community can use implementation grants to help cover the associated costs.

“I am excited for those in the 96th and across Wisconsin to have access to this grant funding” said Oldenburg, “This program offers communities flooding solutions that are tailored towards their specific needs, allowing them to be more proactive in mitigating flood damage.”