Gov. Tony Evers listens to Wisconsinites' concerns during a state budget listening session at UW-Green Bay Dec. 20, 2022. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Wisconsin’s governor formally requested Wednesday a presidential disaster declaration after emergency management officials determined severe storms and flooding that swept through the state earlier this month caused approximately $33 million in damages.
Gov. Tony Evers is asking President Donald Trump for a “quick approval” of his request.
“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,” Evers said in a news release. “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 request for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Individual Assistance program includes Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties, which were the site of the destructive floods. Evers’ request also includes FEMA’s Public Assistance program for Door, Grant, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties.
Door County is included because a tornado hit Peninsula State Park as part of that severe weather outbreak.
A joint preliminary damage assessment conducted by Wisconsin Emergency Management and FEMA determined more than $33 million in damages occurred across Wisconsin as a result of the storms. At least 1,500 residential structures were destroyed or sustained major damage.
The ultimate decision to approve or deny Evers’ request will come from Trump.
“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,” Evers said.
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. 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.
Initial damage reports collected by the state also determined more than $43 million in public sector damage throughout six Wisconsin counties. Officials will be conducting a joint preliminary damage assessment for public infrastructure in September. That information will be provided to FEMA to further support Wednesday’s request.
Residents who were impacted by the storms are advised to do the following:
- Contact their insurance agent to learn if their damage is covered, and if so, by how much
- Report any damage to their home from the recent floods to 211 Wisconsin, which can be done by calling 2-1-1 or visiting the 211 Wisconsin website
- Document their damage by taking photos and saving any receipts for related expenses after this disaster. This could include temporary housing, hotel stays, repairs for flood damage to your home and appliance replacement
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