Gov. Scott Walker has declared a state of emergency on Door County’s Washington Island as islanders try to recover from an underwater electrical cable failure.
The cable failed June 15, causing a 20-minute power outage before back-up generators kicked in. Washington Island Electric Cooperative Manager Robert Cornell says ice damaged the cable.
The cooperative repaired the compromised section by June 27 but officials fear the entire cable is damaged. The cooperative wants to replace the cable by the end of the year at an estimated cost of at least $2.5 million.
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Walker issued an executive order Friday declaring a state of emergency on the island. The order will help the cooperative navigate the Department of Natural Resources’ permitting process faster and directs state agencies to help the island.
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