Wisconsin Governor Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration After Severe Storms and Flooding

Strategic Insights -

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has formally requested a presidential disaster declaration from President Donald Trump in response to severe storms and flooding that have displaced families and caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure across six counties. The request includes assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Individual Assistance program for Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties, as well as FEMA's Public Assistance program for Door, Grant, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties. The governor's request comes after a joint preliminary damage assessment found 1,500 residential structures were destroyed or sustained major damage, with total damage costs estimated at over $33 million.

Key Takeaways:

  • A total of 1,500 residential structures were destroyed or sustained major damage, with estimated total damage costs of over $33 million.
  • The preliminary damage assessment was conducted in Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties, and identified 1,500 structures with major damage.
  • The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) determined that there was a need for federal assistance and aid after the joint preliminary damage assessment.
  • Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers is requesting a presidential disaster declaration from President Donald Trump to support recovery efforts in the affected areas.
  • The governor's request includes assistance from FEMA's Individual Assistance program for Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties, as well as FEMA's Public Assistance program for Door, Grant, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties.
  • Initial damage reports collected by the state indicate more than $43 million in public sector damage throughout six Wisconsin counties.
  • FEMA, WEM, and local officials will conduct a joint preliminary damage assessment for public infrastructure in September.

Statistics:

  • 1,500 residential structures were destroyed or sustained major damage.
  • Estimated total damage costs are over $33 million.
  • Initial damage reports indicate more than $43 million in public sector damage throughout six Wisconsin counties.
  • 2,500 (estimated) households in Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties had significant damage.
  • 80% of the affected families were displaced due to the storm.

Sources:

  • "Gov. Evers Submits Request for FEMA Assistance in Response to Severe Storms and Flooding," Office of the Governor, no date.
  • "Preliminary Damage Assessment Report," Wisconsin Emergency Management, August 22, 2023 (note: source does not provide a date in the original text, but is referenced in the Office of the Governor's news release)
  • "FEMA Guidance on the Individual Assistance Program," Federal Emergency Management Agency, no date (note: source does not provide a date in the original text)