News Summary
In response to devastating flooding in Wisconsin, President Trump has approved $29.8 million in federal disaster assistance. The funding aims to support Milwaukee’s recovery efforts following historic rainfall that caused significant destruction and damage in multiple counties. Governor Tony Evers expressed gratitude for the federal aid as local residents and officials strive to rebuild after the disaster.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – President Donald Trump has officially approved $29.8 million in federal disaster assistance aimed at aiding Wisconsin’s recovery from the catastrophic flooding that struck in August, following unprecedented rainfall that reported over 10 inches in some areas.
This funding approval comes at a crucial time for Milwaukee officials, who are grappling with extensive damage caused by these historic floods. Emergency measures, including home demolition orders, have already been initiated in the worst-hit areas as local authorities work to address the fallout from the disaster.
The flooding incident that shook southeastern Wisconsin occurred amidst record-breaking rainfall levels, which notably led to several neighborhoods experiencing significant destruction. In a joint assessment conducted on August 21-22, it was revealed that roughly 1,500 residential structures were either destroyed or suffered major damage, with the total costs pegged at around $33.1 million. In addition to residential damage, public sector losses across six counties amounted to approximately $43.2 million.
Governor Tony Evers, who had submitted a formal request for a presidential disaster declaration on August 13, expressed his gratitude for the voluntary efforts of numerous organizations and community members aiding in the recovery process. He noted that, while some assistance is now forthcoming, his office is still working on securing additional funds to address ongoing recovery needs. However, specifics on how much of the original funding request remains unapproved have not been disclosed, leaving uncertainty regarding how remaining damage costs will be managed.
Homeowners in the qualifying areas will be entitled to apply for federal aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), although timelines for applications have yet to be announced. Further, the August floods significantly affected 24 public schools within Milwaukee and led to widespread evacuations, particularly in neighborhoods situated on the north side.
The request for FEMA assistance was comprehensive, including claims for Individual Assistance in Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties, as well as Public Assistance in Door, Grant, Ozaukee, and Waukesha counties. The application for federal funding was well-received, which was confirmed when Trump announced the approval via social media, indicating he had also notified U.S. Senator Ron Johnson about the funding decision.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson welcomed the announcement of federal support, acknowledging the collective efforts of local and state entities that led to this milestone. He emphasized the urgent need for federal aid, stressing the importance of rebuilding the lives of residents affected by the floods.
As a consequence of the flooding, the region has faced dire situations, including at least two fatalities, significant power outages, sewage contamination issues, and major disruptions to both transportation and utility services. By August 29, a preliminary damage assessment had already identified around $52 million in damages specifically in Milwaukee County.
For those affected by the unprecedented flooding, assistance applications can be initiated online through FEMA’s website. Although the road to recovery is poised to be long and complex, the approval of federal aid marks a hopeful step forward for the residents and communities striving to restore normalcy following this natural disaster.
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Additional Resources
- WISN: Trump Approves Wisconsin Flood Aid
- Fox6Now: Wisconsin Flood Damage – Trump Approves FEMA
- JSONline: FEMA Relief Approved for Milwaukee Flooding
- GMToday: Trump Announces Disaster Declaration for Wisconsin Flooding
- TMJ4: Trump Approves $29.8M in FEMA Support for Wisconsin Flooding
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Google Search: Wisconsin Flooding 2025
- Google Scholar: Wisconsin Floods
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Google News: Wisconsin Floods
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
