U.S. President Donald Trump approves Gov. Tony Evers disaster declaration request for August floods

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he partially approved Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ request for federal aid after early August floods devastated southeastern Wisconsin.

In a post on social media, President Trump shared that he had informed U.S. Senator Ron Johnson of his decision to provide $29.8 million in federal aid to Wisconsin.

Wisconsin’s political leaders shared their thoughts on President Trump approving the state’s request.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers

Over the past month, my administration and I have been working hard to ensure the folks and families whose homes, businesses, schools, and community centers were impacted have the support they need to recover. Thanks to Wisconsin Emergency Management and FEMA’s quick work in identifying and confirming our need for federal assistance and aid, as well as the tireless advocacy of Senator Tammy Baldwin and Congresswoman Gwen Moore, we can continue our critical recovery efforts.

I want to again thank the volunteers, organizations, and communities who are helping our neighbors, friends, and families recover, but our work is not done. I will continue to urge the Trump Administration to approve the remainder of my request, and I will keep fighting to make sure Wisconsin receives every resource that is needed and available.

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson

“Thank you to President Trump for continuing to deliver BIG TIME for Wisconsinites.”

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin

“I have been fighting for these funds because Wisconsinites need help and they need it now.”

U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (R – 1st District)

“This is great news for working families in Wisconsin.”

U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore (D – 4th District)

“I am thrilled that Governor Evers’ disaster declaration request was approved.”

U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R – 5th District)

“This will bring much-needed resources to help communities recover.”

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R – 6th District)

“Thank you, @realDonaldTrump, for standing with Wisconsin as we work to recover from the devastating floods.” 

Evers had requested a presidential disaster declaration in late August after state and federal emergency management conducted a joint damage assessment. It’s estimated that areas impacted by the floods had sustained over $76 million in damages, with 1,500 residential structures having been destroyed or severely damaged.

Evers officially requested disaster aid for Milwaukee, Washington, Waukesha, Door, Grant, and Ozaukee counties. The federal government will provide disaster relief for Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties – potential assistance for Door, Grant, and Ozaukee counties has not been decided, according to a news release from the governor. All six counties will receive money from their local governments to fix infrastructure.

In a bipartisan effort, Wisconsin’s congressional delegation endorsed a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security last month, urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to join state emergency personnel in evaluating the damage.