MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) – Two weeks after requesting a presidential disaster declaration, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced that the Trump Administration has given partial approval to grant federal funds following serious storm damage across Wisconsin in August.
In a release on Thursday night, Gov. Evers revealed that his administration received official notice around 7:48 p.m. that the Trump Administration partially approved his request.
Preliminary damage estimates said that about 1,500 residential buildings were destroyed or heavily damaged, with costs estimated at over $33 million. Public sector buildings were damaged in six counties, with an estimated cost of over $43 million.
The counties that Gov. Evers formally requested the declaration from President Donald Trump are as follows:
- Door
- Grant
- Milwaukee
- Ozaukee
- Washington
- Waukesha
However, the approval is not fully complete, as the declaration from President Trump is only applicable for people in Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties. FEMA will reportedly set a deadline for flood victims to apply for Individual Assistance.
The following statement from Gov. Evers was included in the release:
“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.”
The Trump Administration approved an anticipated $30 million in federal damage coverage, as the Public Assistance program request is still under review.
The full release can be viewed here.
