Last updated Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 2:25 p.m.
Cleanup and recovery efforts are still underway. The impact in our community is significant. We've collected over 300 tons of flood-damaged materials so far. Reports indicate varying levels of damage, from minimal to significant, with at least 11 homes experiencing collapsed foundations.
In response to the recent flooding, the City of West Allis is implementing a comprehensive recovery plan to assist our community. Please take note of the following important information:
Recovery Plan
Reporting Damage
Residents and business owners are encouraged by the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management to either call 211 or fill out the damage report form. Report ALL storm damage, no matter how small. This documentation is critical. It improves the chances of the state and federal government directing disaster relief to our community and residents. Every report helps the county and state meet the threshold to qualify for aid.
The West Allis Public Library offers Wi-Fi and computers if you are unable to use your own devices to fill out the form.
Municipal Yard Drop-Off Site
The Municipal Yard (6300 W. McGeoch Ave.) will be open Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a minimum of two weeks to support flood recovery efforts. Fees will be waived for flood damage-related debris for a minimum of two weeks.
The following items are not accepted: large gas appliances (water heaters), propane tanks, explosive or flammable products, wet or oil-based paint, fluorescent light bulbs, and materials from contractors, contractor vehicles, commercial properties and businesses. Additionally, "white goods" such as A/C units, refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, water heaters, dishwashers, stoves, ranges are not allowed. These items can be taken to Allies Resources at 1911 S. 80th St. (414-321-4134). For pickup at your address, call Bill at 414-265-7415 or Camo Crew at 414-420-2266.
Car batteries, marine batteries, lithium batteries, household batteries, tires (fee), automotive oil, and antifreeze are allowed. All flood-damaged electronic items (TV’s, monitors, computers, laptops, stereos, etc.) are also allowed.
There are time limitations on when crews can bring materials to the landfill that will determine the duration of the drop-off site being open. We will have the drop-off site remain open Saturday and Sunday until we are at full capacity. Once we are at capacity, we will need to close the drop-off site at that time. Again, we appreciate everyone’s patience.
Garbage and Recycling
Regular garbage and recycling collection is on schedule. Please keep regular garbage and recycling separated from flood-damaged materials if possible. Special trucks and loaders will follow the garbage trucks to pick up flood-damaged materials but will be prioritizing the hardest hit areas. Flood-damaged items should be placed in your usual spot for collection. If your usual pickup spot is the alley, flood-damaged items should be placed in the alley or if your usual pickup spot is the curb, flood-damaged items should be placed on the curb. Help DPW crews by placing flood materials as close to the original refuse/recycling spot as possible. Do not place items in the street or yards; items should be on the curb or in the alley.
If you've lost your garbage or recycling bins due to the floods, please fill out a Let Us Help form, and the City will provide replacements.
We ask residents to move parked vehicles to driveways and garages when possible to allow crews adequate space to service the flood debris in residential areas.
Special Collections
If flood-damaged materials are not picked up on your collection day, please fill out a Let Us Help form requesting a special collection. Fees will be waived for flood damage-related debris only for a minimum of two weeks. Help DPW crews by placing flood materials as close to the original refuse/recycling spot as possible. Do not place items in the street or yards; items should be on the curb or in the alley. Pickup times are contingent upon staffing and available equipment. Crews aim to pick up collections within 48-72 hours, but we ask for your patience during this time.
The following items are not accepted: large gas appliances (water heaters), propane tanks, explosive or flammable products, wet or oil-based paint, fluorescent light bulbs, and materials from contractors, contractor vehicles, commercial properties and businesses. Additionally, "white goods" such as A/C units, refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, water heaters, dishwashers, stoves, ranges are not allowed. These items can be taken to Allies Resources at 1911 S. 80th St. (414-321-4134). For pickup at your address, call Bill at 414-265-7415 or Camo Crew at 414-420-2266. See Resources section below for Hazmat Disposal information
By ordinance, the City only services 1-3 family households for flood-damage collection. Multi-family homes and apartment buildings with 4 or more units need to contact their contracted hauler for disposal of items and should not leave items on the curb or alley.
To find when the next collection will be in your neighborhood, see the map below.
Community Dumpsters
The City started with around 7 dumpsters and has secured an additional 5 through contracting, giving us a total of 12 to be placed in the hardest hit areas. City dumpsters are in a rotation of being filled, dumped at a transfer site, and brought back to the community. Please be patient as there are limitations on when we can bring dumpsters to the landfill in Franklin. "Pink" dumpsters are contracted dumpsters, and the contractor aims to empty them every 24 hours. The City is still trying to contract more dumpsters, but they are in high demand. Dumpster locations:
81st Street & Rogers Street NW corner
2051 S. 83rd St.
80th Street and Rogers Street NW corner
1566 S. 83rd St.
81st Street & Hayes Avenue NW corner
2535 S. 82nd St.
2178 S. 79th St.
2460 S. 81st St.
2356 S. 82nd St.
2001 S. 80th St.
2003 S. 79th St.
1505 S. 81st St.
If you choose to rent your own dumpster, a permit and flashing barricades are required. Apply for a permit online.
Brush Collection and Fallen Trees
DPW Forestry crews are addressing 12-15 fallen trees from this morning's storms. Wood, logs, and brush may be left on properties until more staff are available for collection.
Resources
Community Aid
As a public service, the City of West Allis is publishing a list of resources for residents and businesses who have been impacted by the devastating flood that occurred. The City does not endorse any particular resource on this list and only performs a minimal review of each resource. But due to the pressing needs of our residents and businesses, the City is choosing to provide an easy way for those who want to help to connect with those who need help. Learn more.
Reporting Damage
211 Reporting Form: Report your damage to help the county understand the extent and secure more federal funding. Report here.
City of West Allis Let Us Help Form: Request or report special collection, downed trees, missing garbage/recycling bins and more.
Hazardous Material Disposal
Learn more about HazMat disposal here.
Shelters
American Red Cross shelters have been set up at Holler Park at 5151 S. 6th St. and the Washington Park Senior Center at 4420 W. Vliet St. in Milwaukee to assist temporarily displaced individuals. They also provide food, clothing, supplies, and caseworkers for disaster recovery planning.
Financial Assistance
Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Programs: Owner-occupied single-family houses and duplexes may be eligible for reduced-rate loans of up to $40,000 to help with housing rehabilitation. Homeowners must meet certain income limits. Learn more here.
Tax Incremental District (TID) Residential Rehabilitation Loan Program: Owner-occupied single-family dwellings located in targeted lending areas are eligible for 2.5% APR loans of up to $25,000 to assist with housing rehabilitation. Income limits do not apply. Learn more here.
Volunteering
Virtual Damage Assessment Training: Join volunteer efforts to report damage in the private sector in our community. Training will be on Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. via Teams (virtual). Join the training online.
Team Rubicon: Volunteer with Team Rubicon for disaster response. You must be deployable, have health insurance, and live within 150 miles of the incident. Sign up.
Red Cross: Volunteer with Red Cross efforts in the community.
The City of West Allis is fully utilizing all available staff, trucks, loaders, dumpsters, and resources. We are operating at maximum capacity to ensure an effective and comprehensive recovery effort. Thank you for your patience.