MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday received official notice that the Trump Administration approved the request for a major disaster declaration for counties impacted by recent severe storms and flooding.
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.
Watch: Trump declares federal disaster for Milwaukee, Washington, Waukesha counties
The request for public assistance to 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.
For federal public and individual assistance to be made available, a presidential declaration must be based on the results of the preliminary damage assessment, confirming that the state has met the necessary threshold. A presidential disaster declaration determines which, if any, types of federal assistance will be provided.
Evers requested FEMA support on Aug. 13.
After the preliminary damage assessment of individual properties in Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties, WEM and FEMA determined that at least 1,500 residential structures were destroyed or sustained major damage, with total damage costs estimated at over $33 million.
In a Truth Social post on Thursday, President Donald Trump announced $29.8 million in federal aid for Wisconsin.
"I just informed Senator Ron Johnson that, based on his request, I am approving $29.8 Million Dollars for the wonderful State of Wisconsin to help them recover from the major storms and flooding they experienced in August," Trump wrote in his post.
Watch: Trump approves $29.8M in federal assistance following historic Wisconsin flooding
“The President’s social media post is welcome news for the people who have suffered in August’s flooding, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said in a statement. “The damage was extensive, and Federal help is so important as our residents get their lives back on track. I appreciate all the work that’s been done to reach this point by the city, the county, the state, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Information on how residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties will be available shortly to support recovery efforts.
How to Apply
Residents 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 Center, 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.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
