Trump approves $29.8M disaster aid for Wisconsin floods

U.S. President Donald Trump approved nearly $30 million in disaster recovery funds for Wisconsin after destructive storms and flooding in the southeastern part of the state in August.

Trump on Thursday said in a social media post that he would approve $29.8 million in disaster recovery funding for the state. “We had Huge Victories in Wisconsin in 2016, 2020 and 2024, and it is my Honor to deliver BIG for Wisconsinites!” he wrote.

Gov. Tony Evers’ administration late Thursday received official notice that the Trump administration approved the governor’s request for a major disaster declaration for counties hit by recent severe storms and flooding. The state had a preliminary damage estimate that determined around 1,500 homes were destroyed or heavily damaged in storms around Aug. 9-10.

Total damages were estimated at around $33 million, and more than $43 million in public sector damage occurred throughout six Wisconsin counties, including Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee counties.

In August, rain reached as high as 14 inches in northwest Milwaukee and averaged six inches across the city, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District data showed. Floods filled intersections, ruined basements and homes and overwhelmed local stormwater systems. Later that month, teams from the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency surveyed damage across southeast Wisconsin.

“The President’s social media post is welcome news for the people who have suffered in August’s flooding,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson in a statement. “The damage was extensive and federal help is so important as our residents get their lives back on track. I appreciate all the work that’s been done to reach this point by the city, the county, the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. President Trump’s decision is a significant stride forward in this area’s recovery efforts.”

“My administration and I have been working across all levels of government to get our residents and families the resources they need following last month’s extreme flooding,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in a statement. “The Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management continues coordinating with local municipalities, the State of Wisconsin and FEMA to bring home the assistance that people need to recover. That’s why it’s good news the President approved Wisconsin’s request for a major disaster declaration. This action will deliver relief and support to the residents, families, business owners and service workers who were impacted by this extreme weather event.”