FEMA Rejects Wisconsin Governor's Disaster Appeal

State sought federal aid for public infrastructure after last summer's flooding

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has rejected Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers' appeal for federal disaster assistance to help repair public infrastructure in six counties following severe flooding last August. Evers had requested over $26.5 million in aid, but FEMA determined the criteria for public assistance designation was not met.

Why it matters

This decision leaves Wisconsin on the hook for significant repair costs to roads, bridges, and other public facilities damaged by the floods, straining state and local budgets. It also highlights the ongoing political tensions between the state's Democratic governor and the Republican-led federal government.

The details

FEMA notified Evers in a letter that after a thorough review, the agency had "reaffirmed that the designation of the Public Assistance program" was not warranted. The governor had sought aid for Door, Grant, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties, but FEMA determined the criteria was not met to provide the requested federal assistance.

  • The flooding occurred last August.
  • Evers submitted the initial request for federal disaster assistance.
  • FEMA rejected the appeal on February 9, 2026.

The players

Tony Evers

The Democratic governor of Wisconsin who requested federal disaster assistance.

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which denied Wisconsin's request for public infrastructure aid.

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What they’re saying

“This most recent decision by the Trump Administration is completely unsatisfactory. The Trump Administration's decision to reject our appeal — again — and without any explanation as to why Wisconsin's request for FEMA assistance has once again been denied is ridiculous.”

— Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin (wisn.com)

The takeaway

This denial of federal disaster aid for public infrastructure repairs highlights the ongoing political tensions between Wisconsin's Democratic state government and the Republican-led federal administration, leaving the state to shoulder significant recovery costs from the flooding on its own.