Wyoming Receives Presidential Disaster Declaration for June Flooding Event

Strategic Insights -

Governor Mark Gordon and the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security announced that the state has received a Presidential disaster declaration after severe flooding occurred in Natrona County on June 15, 2023. The declaration was granted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), allowing Wyoming to access Public Assistance federal funding to repair or replace damaged infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and public facilities. The state will also have access to federal funding for hazard mitigation measures statewide on a cost-sharing basis. Despite the devastating impacts of the flooding, individual assistance was denied by FEMA.

Key Takeaways:

  • The State of Wyoming received a Presidential disaster declaration for the June 2023 flooding event in Natrona County.
  • The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted the declaration, enabling Wyoming to access Public Assistance federal funding.
  • Eligible applicants can seek reimbursement for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and public facilities.
  • The state has access to federal funding for hazard mitigation measures statewide on a cost-sharing basis.
  • Governor Mark Gordon thanked the Office of Homeland Security, Natrona County, and the City of Casper for their efforts in responding to the disaster.
  • Individual Assistance was denied by FEMA, meaning aid and support for individuals and households affected by the disaster is not available.
  • Eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations can contact the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security for questions about the process at (307) 777-4900.

Statistics:

  • June 15, 2023: the date of the severe flooding event in Natrona County.
  • The flooding caused significant impacts to homes, businesses, and infrastructure in Natrona County.
  • The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program provides federal funding to Wyoming on a cost-sharing basis.
  • Wyoming received Public Assistance federal funding after the Presidential disaster declaration was granted.
  • A cost-sharing basis with the federal government is available for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Sources:

  • Governor Mark Gordon's news release, September 14, 2023.
  • Wyoming Office of Homeland Security.