Gov. Evers Announces Joint Damage Assessments Completed for Damage to Roads and Public Infrastructure From August Floods and Storms in Six Counties

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wrapped up the joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) for Public Assistance in six counties following severe storms and flooding in August.

“This is another step in the right direction to ensure our families, local businesses, and communities have the support and resources they need to rebuild and recover from the historic flooding and storms that wreaked havoc on our communities,” said Gov. Evers. “We are grateful for the dedicated folks at WEM and FEMA and local leaders for their work to get this assessment done so we can make sure Wisconsin receives the federal support we need.”

Joint PDAs for Public Assistance were requested for Door, Grant, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties. Joint PDA teams were made up of representatives from FEMA, WEM, and local emergency management officials. A desk review of the initial damage assessments for Public Assistance began on Sept. 3, 2025. This process verified documented damage to determine if Public Assistance can be requested through a federal disaster declaration. In-person assessments began on Sept. 8, 2025. The PDA for Public Assistance validated more than $26.5 million in eligible disaster costs.

The Public Assistance program provides supplemental grants to state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as certain types of private nonprofits, so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The grants may provide funding for:

• Restoration of damaged public buildings and equipment, such as public schools, hospitals, and facilities providing community services;
• Restoration of roads and bridges;
• Debris removal from obstructed public roadways and infrastructure; and
• Repair of damaged or impacted public utilities and water systems.

The validated information will be sent to FEMA to supplement the initial damage assessment data already submitted in Gov. Evers’ Aug. 27 letter asking for a presidential disaster declaration. The Trump Administration partially approved this disaster declaration request, and Individual Assistance will be provided to qualifying individuals and households in Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties.

The decision on granting Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding is still pending.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.