The Office of the Governor of the State of Wisconsin
09/11/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/12/2025 08:58
Gov. Evers Secures Federal Disaster Declaration Approval for Recent Severe Storms and Historic Flooding Across Wisconsin
Press Release: Gov. Evers Secures Federal Disaster Declaration Approval for Recent Severe Storms and Historic Flooding Across Wisconsin
State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 09/11/2025 09:21 PM CDT| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2025 |
| Contact: [email protected] |
| Gov. Evers Secures Federal Disaster Declaration Approval forRecent Severe Storms and Historic FloodingAcross Wisconsin |
| Partial federal approval of the governor'semergency declarationrequest to unlock nearly $30 millionto help Wisconsin families and businesses rebuildand recoverafter extreme weather caused tens of millions of dollars in damages |
| MADISON - At 7:48 p.m. CT today, the Evers Administration received official notice that the Trump Administration has approved Gov. Tony Evers' request for a major disaster declaration for counties impacted by recent severe storms and flooding, which preliminary damage estimates determined caused 1,500 residential structures to be destroyed or sustain major damage with total damage costs estimated at over $33 million, as well as more than $43 million in public sector damage throughout six Wisconsin counties."Over the past month, my administration and I have been working hard to ensure the folks and families whose homes, businesses, schools, and community centers were impacted have the support they need to recover. Thanks to Wisconsin Emergency Management and FEMA's quick work in identifying and confirming our need for federal assistance and aid, as well as the tireless advocacy of Senator Tammy Baldwin and Congresswoman Gwen Moore, we can continue our critical recovery efforts," said Gov. Evers. "I want to again thank the volunteers, organizations, and communities who are helping our neighbors, friends, and families recover, but our work is not done. I will continue to urge the Trump Administration to approve the remainder of my request, and I will keep fighting to make sure Wisconsin receives every resource that is needed and available."Gov. Evers' formal request to President Donald Trump and the Trump Administration included six Wisconsin counties: Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Individual Assistance program and Door, Grant, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties for FEMA's Public Assistance program. At this time, the presidential disaster declaration is only applicable for individuals and households in Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha Counties. FEMA will set a certain date by which flood survivors must apply for Individual Assistance.The governor's request to receive Public Assistance to help support emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities in Door, Grant, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha Counties remains under review by the Trump Administration. Additionally, the Trump Administration is also still reviewing the governor's request for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which helps support flood mitigation measures, such as structure acquisition/demolition, structure elevation, and storm sewer upgrades, to provide opportunities to avoid future loss of life and eliminate repetitive, expensive flood damage in these communities.The anticipated nearly $30 million reportedly approved is the federal share of the validated damage submitted in the governor's Individual Assistance request. Once the Individual Assistance application process starts, the actual monetary amount of benefits will be based upon eligible applications that are submitted and approved through the process.The governor's request, which was submitted over two weeks ago, requested a presidential disaster declaration due to severe storms and flooding last month, which resulted in families and kids being displaced as well as significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. Gov. Evers on August 11 declared a state of emergency in response to flash flooding and storm damage caused by severe storms across Wisconsin that occurred over the previous weekend. Following this declaration, the first step needed to receive federal disaster aid and assistance, the governor announced he submitted a request for FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to assist the state in conducting a formal federal preliminary damage assessment of damage caused by the extreme storms and flooding across the state. The governor's request came as a result of Wisconsin Emergency Management's (WEM) reports that initial state and local damage review suggested Wisconsin would meet the federal threshold to receive federal aid and assistance.After the joint preliminary damage assessment of individual properties was conducted in Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties, WEM and FEMA determined there were at least 1,500 residential structures that were destroyed or sustained major damage, with total damage costs estimated at over $33 million. Additionally, initial damage reports collected by the state indicate more than $43 million in public sector damage throughout six Wisconsin counties. On August 27, Gov. Evers requested a formal presidential disaster declaration from President Donald Trump, a portion of which was officially approved today. Information on how residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties will be available shortly to support recovery efforts. How to ApplyResidents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 800-621-FEMA (3362).Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or other similar service, can give FEMA the number for that service.When applying for assistance, make sure: You upload your documents online by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov. Your damaged home is your primary residence. You haven't received assistance for the same losses from another source, including insurance. You are able to be reached by FEMA at the contact information you provide in the application. What information you need to provide when applying: Your contact information, including email address. Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying. Your social security number. A general list of damage and losses. Banking information, if you choose direct deposit. If insured, your policy number or the agent and/or company name. For help with your application or to apply by phone, call the FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-3362 If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. If you disagree with FEMA's decision, you may appeal: Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. In person at a Disaster Recovery Centers, which will be announced in coming days. Or by mail or fax. For more information on the disaster assistance process, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or visit the site's Frequently Asked Questions page at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/help/faqs. |
| An online version of this release is available here. |
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| Office of the Governor • 115 East Capitol, Madison, WI 53702 | |
| Press Office Email: [email protected] | |
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The Office of the Governor of the State of Wisconsin published this content on September 11, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 12, 2025 at 14:58 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]