Gov. Tony Evers formally requests presidential disaster declaration following devastating floods

WISCONSIN (CIVIC MEDIA) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has made a formal request for a presidential disaster declaration from U.S. President Donald Trump Wednesday after severe flooding in southeast Wisconsin caused millions of dollars in damage.

Evers’ request follows a joint damage assessment conducted in Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties by state and federal emergency management. Officials concluded that damage costs totaled over $33 million, with 1,500 residential structures destroyed or having received major damage. The governor is requesting aid for Milwaukee, Washington, Waukesha, Door, Grant, and Ozaukee counties.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reviewed the initial assessment performed by Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and joined state and local teams to conduct field assessments on Aug. 21 and Aug. 22. FEMA operates by evaluating a wide range of factors to gauge the severity and magnitude of a disaster, as well as how the disaster impacted the affected communities.

“Having been on the ground to see firsthand some of the areas that have been hit hardest by the disastrous storms and flash floods that have affected folks across our state, it’s clear it’s going to take a significant amount of time and resources to recover. My administration and I have been working diligently to respond and support clean-up efforts, but it’s clear more help is needed to support the people of Wisconsin and ensure we can rebuild,” said Evers in a statement.

“I’m grateful Wisconsin Emergency Management and FEMA’s work identified and confirmed our need for federal assistance and aid so that we can continue critical recovery efforts. Now, I’m urging President Trump to do the right thing and make the appropriate presidential disaster declaration in coordination with the preliminary damage assessment—and quickly and without delay. The folks and families whose homes, businesses, schools, and community centers were severely damaged by this severe weather event are counting on this relief.”

“The swift and collaborative effort for these assessments isn’t just a procedural step—it’s a powerful demonstration of unity between counties, the state of Wisconsin, and FEMA to get help to those in crisis after this historical flooding event,” said WEM Administrator Greg Engle. “The speed and precision in which this was accomplished speaks volumes. When different agencies come together, the road to recovery reaches the people who need it faster.”

Federal and state emergency management will perform a preliminary damage assessment of the six Wisconsin counties’ public sectors in September, while is estimated to have sustained $43 million in damages. The data collected will be provided to FEMA to support Evers’ request of Pres. Trump.

Evers’ full request can be viewed here. Additional details on the disaster declaration process can be found on the Ready Wisconsin website.