(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) welcomed President Donald Trump’s announcement of $17.9 million in federal disaster relief for Wisconsin communities affected by the July 27, 2026, storms in Forest, Outagamie, Vilas, and Winnebago counties.
“Thank you to President Trump for supporting Wisconsin’s recovery,” said Grothman. “I was proud to lead our bipartisan congressional delegation in urging federal support following the devastating July storms and tornado. Local officials, first responders, and community members have worked hard to help their communities recover, and federal assistance can help build on those efforts. I especially want to thank the volunteers who have given their time to help neighbors clean up and begin rebuilding. Their generosity reflects the best of Wisconsin.”
Residents with questions about federal disaster assistance or who need help working with FEMA or another federal agency are encouraged to contact Congressman Grothman’s Fond du Lac office at (920) 907-0624.
Background Information
The July 27, 2026, storms caused extensive damage across Forest, Outagamie, Vilas, and Winnebago counties. An EF3 tornado tore through the Fox Valley, causing widespread destruction in communities including Appleton and Menasha. It remained on the ground for more than 20 minutes, traveled approximately 12 miles, reached nearly one mile in width, and produced estimated winds of 136 to 165 miles per hour. More than 30,000 homes and businesses lost power.
Damage assessments conducted by FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management identified 2,346 residential structures affected, including 84 destroyed and 412 with major damage, with estimated losses exceeding $8.2 million. Public-sector damage exceeded $13.8 million, surpassing Wisconsin’s per-capita threshold by more than $2.4 million.
Congressman Grothman led two letters signed by every member of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation seeking federal support:
- August 12: The delegation urged FEMA to work with Wisconsin Emergency Management on a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment, an essential step toward determining eligibility for federal disaster assistance.
- August 27: Following completion of those assessments, the delegation urged President Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration and make Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation assistance available.
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U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Link to release: https://grothman.house.gov/
