Homeowners worried disaster relief won't cover significant flooding damage costs 

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- For some people, repairing their homes after significant flood damage is totaling a hefty price tag and some are worried disaster relief funds won’t even scratch the surface of that bill. 

On 81st and Hayes, Jessica Esselman is known in her neighborhood for always being in the middle of a home improvement project. 

“I was really excited to kinda do this all on my own,” said Esselman. 

Esselman says last month, she woke up to seven feet of water in her basement. 

“So, I guess at this point now it’s kinda just a little heartbreaking. Like I just got done spending four, five years working on this house and it’s all in garbage cans now,” said Esselman. 

The bill to repair the damage just keeps climbing. According to the city of West Allis, 16 homes have been reported to have structural damage or damage to the property’s foundation. 

“We had to replace the circuit breaker, I had to replace the gas meter, we had to replace the boiler,” said Esselman. “My car was totaled, had to get a new car.”

On Thursday, Sept. 11, President Donald Trump approved $29.8 million in disaster relief funds for Wisconsin. The state estimates a total of $33 million in individual damages. 

Esselman says she’s worried federal relief funds won’t cover everything.

“A little skepticism though,” said Esselman. “People have lost a lot of stuff and it doesn’t really seem like what they’re offering is going to be enough.”

Still, Esselman says every little bit helps. 

“How do you even fix this? What are you even supposed to do? Who do you start calling,” said Esselman.