Governor requests FEMA support after initial damage review suggests Wisconsin will exceed threshold required to receive federal aid and assistance
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced he is submitting 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 recent extreme storms and flooding across the state. The governor’s request comes as Wisconsin Emergency Management reported to Gov. Evers today that initial state and local damage review suggests Wisconsin will meet the federal threshold to receive federal aid and assistance. This clears the way for Gov. Evers to ask FEMA to conduct a formal preliminary damage assessment, which is a crucial step toward Wisconsin receiving a formal presidential disaster declaration and federal disaster relief in response to recent storm damage.
In order for federal public and individual assistance to be made available, there must be a presidential declaration based on the results of the preliminary damage assessment confirming the state has met the necessary threshold. A presidential disaster declaration determines which, if any, types of federal assistance will be provided. Additional information on how the public assistance process works after a presidential declaration has been made is available here.
“Disastrous storms and flash flooding across our state in recent days have displaced kids and families and damaged homes, businesses, community centers, and so much more. The damage caused by recent extreme weather is extensive, and it’s going to take significant time and resources to recover, repair infrastructure, and help support the folks and communities who have been affected. It’s clear we will need additional federal resources and support to do so,” said Gov. Evers. “It is absolutely critical that Wisconsin receives every available federal resource to ensure we can adequately respond and help our local communities rebuild. I am requesting urgent federal assistance and aid from FEMA to support our recovery efforts for Wisconsinites, communities, and our state.”
The Evers Administration, including Wisconsin Emergency Management, has been working with local emergency response at the county level to assess damage and provide resources needed to speed recovery efforts. The Evers Administration and Wisconsin Emergency Management worked throughout last weekend to respond to the historic storms Wisconsin experienced beginning on August 9, 2025, and fulfill requests for state aid and assistance from local county emergency management, including making National Guard resources available based at the request of Milwaukee County. Gov. Evers on Monday night toured storm damage in Wauwatosa and Milwaukee caused by extreme weather and flooding over the weekend. Following his visit to Wauwatosa, Gov. Evers announced he was declaring a state of emergency across Wisconsin, a necessary and precursory step toward receiving federal aid and assistance. Gov. Evers’ emergency declaration is helping ensure state agencies, local partners, utilities, and emergency management officials can continue working together and respond quickly to damage and effects caused by the recent severe weather. Currently, multiple fire services, law enforcement, public works, utilities, volunteer organizations, and other emergency response agencies have deployed to assist the public.
Preliminary damage assessments, which are completed after initial state and local damage assessments are conducted, are similarly also an essential part of the process for requesting a presidential emergency or major disaster declaration. Formal preliminary damage assessments, which are completed in partnership with local, state, and federal emergency management partners, examine the extent of the disaster, the impact on individuals and public facilities, and any types of federal assistance that may be needed. Additional information on the general process for damage assessments, disaster declarations, and federal aid and assistance is available here.
Wisconsin Emergency Management, a division of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, has been working with counties to assess damage and determine resources needed to speed recovery efforts. Milwaukee County is also encouraging Wisconsinites to call 211 to report property damage, such as flooded basements, collapsed walls, or lightning-related incidents within Milwaukee County.
A copy of the governor’s letter is available here, and a transcript of the letter is available below.
Dear Acting Regional Administrator Chesney:
On behalf of the state of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Emergency Management, I am requesting that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) work with the state of Wisconsin to develop a plan for conducting a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment to determine if Wisconsin meets the thresholds for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. Wisconsin Emergency Management reported to me today that, based on the initial state and local review of damages, we believe Wisconsin may meet and exceed the threshold to receive federal FEMA support and aid to recover from recent severe weather events that have caused devastating flooding and destruction in Wisconsin.
Earlier this week, I declared a state of emergency in response to flooding and severe weather impacts, which I understand is an important step toward Wisconsin receiving federal support and assistance in responding to damage caused by recent severe weather across our state. I also understand that FEMA needs damage assessment information from Wisconsin in order to conduct a preliminary damage assessment. Wisconsin Emergency Management is currently collecting detailed damage assessment information from our affected communities and will submit this information to FEMA as soon as possible. I similarly ask that you begin work in partnership with Wisconsin Emergency Management to conduct the preliminary damage assessment as soon as possible. I understand the president must issue a major disaster declaration for Wisconsinites, our communities, and the state to receive public and individual aid and assistance, and I understand the preliminary damage assessment is a crucial step toward that eventual goal.
To be clear, should Wisconsin reach the threshold to receive federal FEMA support and aid based on the results of the preliminary damage assessment, Wisconsin Emergency Management and I will work expeditiously to submit a formal request for a presidential disaster declaration. Wisconsin Emergency Management and FEMA have been in close coordination this week and we appreciate FEMA’s support and assistance. I look forward to this continued partnership and receiving support from FEMA and the federal
government to support Wisconsin’s efforts to recover and rebuild.
Thank you for your assistance and timely consideration of this urgent request.
Respectfully,
Tony Evers
Governor
An online version of this release is available here.
