Assessment teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will arrive in Wisconsin Thursday to survey the damages caused by flooding and clear the path for Gov. Jim Doyle to file a request for federal disaster assistance.

Wisconsin's entire Congressional delegation sent a letter to R. David Paulison, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), offering their support when Doyle formally requests federal disaster assistance.

Doyle has declared a state of emergency for 29 counties across Wisconsin, including the Milwaukee area.

Doyle has requested that FEMA conduct a comprehensive damage assessment of the state, and Doyle expects to seek a federal disaster declaration after the assessment.

"Even as we struggle with the shock of the widespread damage across the state, we need to start getting an accurate assessment of the damage and resources needed to help speed the recovery," Doyle said. "I'd also like to thank all of the people in this state who have come together to help their neighbors and friends during this tough situation."

"While traveling around Wisconsin this weekend, I saw firsthand some of the severe weather that hit our state hard. I am also receiving frequent updates on the toll the weather has taken on homes, businesses, roads, and utilities so we have a complete picture to give to FEMA. I am already working and will continue to work with Governor Doyle, the Wisconsin congressional delegation, and state and local officials in support of any and all federal assistance to help communities statewide respond to the flooding and other weather-related damage," said U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold.

Four state legislators from the western part of Wisconsin sent a joint letter to Doyle, urging him to make a federal disaster request for relief from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

"Significant damage to public infrastructure, flood-control dams, homes, farms and businesses has occurred as a result of heavy rainstorms and straight line winds on June 7 and 8. Since rainfall is expected through late this week, there will most likely be additional damage," wrote state Sen. Dan Kapanke (R-La Crosse) and state Reps. Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem), Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) and Lee Nerison (R-Westby).

Roads and neighborhoods in towns throughout southeastern Wisconsin, including Oak Creek, South Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and Waukesha, remained under water today.

On Monday, Lake Delton, a longtime tourist attraction in the Wisconsin Dells, was washed away into the Wisconsin River, taking several homes along with it. To view video coverage of the washout, visit Channel 12 WISN.com, a media partner of Small Business Times.