Dec. 23, 2025
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin officials are pressing for additional federal aid after the Federal Emergency Management Agency denied the state’s request for Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation funding following devastating floods in August.
The flooding, which began Aug. 10, prompted the activation of the State Emergency Operations Center for more than two weeks. Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) coordinated swiftwater rescues, delivered more than 12,000 sandbags, and deployed the Wisconsin All-Hazards Incident Management Team to assist local agencies. Damage assessments later revealed widespread destruction across Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties.
Gov. Tony Evers requested a Major Disaster Declaration on Aug. 27, seeking Individual Assistance for homeowners and renters, Public Assistance for local governments, and Hazard Mitigation funds for six counties. While FEMA approved Individual Assistance on Sept. 11 — resulting in a massive recovery effort — the agency denied Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation support in late October.
Individual Assistance: Rapid Response for Survivors
Once Individual Assistance was granted, WEM moved quickly to stand up seven Disaster Recovery Centers in Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties. These centers became the lifeline for thousands of residents navigating the complex process of applying for federal aid.
Leading the effort was Sam Liebl, WEM’s state IA officer, who coordinated logistics with FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and local officials. Liebl oversaw everything from site selection and staffing to ensuring survivors had access to housing assistance, repair grants, and low-interest loans.
“It was difficult at first,” Liebl said. “On the first day, I was in a conference room with more than a dozen FEMA staff learning who I was working with as well as a lot of information being thrown at me. We came together though to figure out how to accomplish everything that needed to be done to get help to the people that needed it.”
During the 60-day application window, which closed Nov. 12, WEM staff worked 197 shifts at recovery centers, providing one-on-one guidance to survivors. In addition, WEM hosted regular coordination meetings with FEMA and SBA to troubleshoot issues and keep operations running smoothly.
The results were significant: 36,502 survivors applied for assistance, and as of Dec. 19, more than $192 million had been distributed through FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. Funds covered temporary housing, essential repairs, and replacement of belongings lost in the floods. Appeals and late applications are still being processed.
“Setting up and maintaining those centers as well as dealing with the small issues that may pop up involved teamwork and reacting quick on your feet,” Liebl said. “It’s good to see the work you put in and all the hours you work go to help people and knowing you helped get millions out the door and in the pockets of disaster survivors is fantastic.”
FEMA Denial and State Appeal
Despite the success of the IA program, FEMA denied Wisconsin’s request for Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation funding in late October. State officials say the denial came even though validated damage exceeded $26.5 million to public infrastructure, including roads, utilities and municipal facilities.
“This was a major disaster, and the people impacted need as much assistance as possible,” said WEM Region Director Brian Cockerham, who helped conduct field assessments.
Under federal rules, Wisconsin had 30 days to appeal. WEM’s Recovery Section gathered additional documentation and requested a second Preliminary Damage Assessment, which uncovered more than $1 million in previously uncounted damage. The revised total — $27.5 million — is more than double the state’s per capita threshold for FEMA Public Assistance.
“This could not be done without counties and locals working quickly to document damage,” said Robby Stoikes, WEM’s Recovery Planning and Support Supervisor. “A state can appeal only once, and we did everything we could to highlight the need for federal assistance.”
Gov. Evers submitted the appeal Nov. 19. As of Dec. 19, FEMA has not announced a decision.
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