FEMA has now denied Wisconsin’s request for disaster relief funds twice
Milwaukee, WI— Earlier this week, FEMA once again denied Wisconsin’s request for federal disaster relief funding, marking the second time the Trump Administration has refused to help the state recover from last summer’s catastrophic flooding.
Last August, Southeast Wisconsin was devastated by a 1,000-year flood that left thousands without power, flooded homes and businesses, triggered emergency rescues, and forced evacuations. In the aftermath, Governor Evers and Wisconsin’s entire congressional delegation urged the Trump Administration to provide federal support to the state. Even Republican Speaker Robin Vos called on the Trump administration this week to approve the funds.
Despite bipartisan appeals, the Trump Administration has continued to turn its back on Wisconsin. Denying public assistance now leaves local governments and hard-working Wisconsinites to bear the $26.5 million in recovery costs.
Governor Tony Evers responded to the recent decision saying, “The Trump Administration’s decision to reject our appeal — again — and without any explanation as to why Wisconsin’s request for FEMA assistance has once again been denied is ridiculous… Efforts to rebuild will cost tens of millions of taxpayer dollars that local communities will be on the hook for, and it’s really disappointing to see our federal leadership turn their backs on Wisconsin, our families, and our communities in our time of need.”
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley stated, ” Without federal assistance, the financial burden of these public infrastructure repairs falls to local governments to cover. Communities rely on intergovernmental partnerships in times of crisis, and this decision by the Trump administration erodes that public trust… Our residents should not be forced to shoulder the full cost of disasters beyond their control, and we will continue advocating for the resources our community deserves.”
Floods, storms, and other types of extreme weather are extremely costly. Between 2010 and 2024, Wisconsin saw 41 billion-dollar extreme disasters, totaling up to $20 billion in damages. These cuts leave Wisconsinites at risk and will put a major strain on the state’s budget when responding to emergencies. The people of Wisconsin deserve answers and action in the face of these devastating floods.
Recent Coverage
- WEAU 13 News (2/10): Wisconsin’s FEMA appeal denied again; Gov. Evers calls decision ‘ridiculous’
- Wisconsin Examiner (2/10): Trump Administration again denies flood relief to Wisconsin communities
- MJS (2/9): Evers slams Trump administration’s denial of public flood disaster aid
- MJS (2/10): Vos ‘disappointed’ in Trump denial of flood aid, hopes for reversal
- WISN ABC (2/19): FEMA rejects Evers’ disaster appeal for public infrastructure after last summer’s flooding
