Wisconsin Counties Road Construction spending saved by Natural Disaster FEMA relief?

Pretty pathetic when a natural disaster "saves us," and is considered a Christmas present offering "relief." But that's all we have left under Scott Walker:

WPR: Local governments in 10 Wisconsin counties are breathing a sigh of relief after President Barack Obama signed a federal disaster declaration for last month's heavy flooding in western Wisconsin.

Vernon County Highway Commissioner Phil Hewitt said Obama's FEMA declaration is like Christmas coming early. "It means that we're going to be able to do road construction and that sort of thing next year instead of paying for flood damage. This declaration, especially with the townships and even with the county, it saves us." 

Walker calls the federal assistance "a welcome relief" as local governments work to repair roads and other damaged infrastructure. Preliminary assessments determined the storms caused more than $11 million in damage to roads and public infrastructure. Hewitt said FEMA officials usually approve funding for infrastructure improvements, not just replacements. 

Obama's FEMA declaration for 10 Western Wisconsin counties hit by torrential rains are Adams, Chippewa, Clark, Crawford, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland and Vernon.