FEMA confirms $17.9 million in disaster aid for four Wisconsin counties, provides application info 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency confirmed $17.9 million in disaster aid is being made available for Wisconsinites in Forest, Outagamie, Vilas and Winnebago counties to assist with damage caused by a tornado and severe storms on July 27. 

President Donald Trump announced via a post on Truth Social on Wednesday that he would be approving the money after speaking with U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is running for governor. The aid is meant to help communities after a tornado and severe storms hit parts of Appleton and Menasha in July, destroying and damaging homes.

Gov. Tony Evers, who had issued a call for aid in August, said Wednesday that he had not heard from the federal administration, cast doubt on when the money would be available and accused Trump and Tiffany of playing politics. Evers initially sent a request for federal aid to Trump in August, after assessments found more than $8.2 million in damage to more than 2,300 residential properties and more than $13.8 million in public sector damage. The request had so far gone unfulfilled and in the absence of aid, local communities had turned to fundraising efforts.

Evers’ office did not respond immediately Thursday to a request for comment about whether they have yet heard directly from the federal government.

In a press release Wednesday evening, FEMA said that individuals who sustained losses in the four counties should first file claims with their insurance providers and then apply for assistance through FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. 

The assistance will support grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and families recover from the effects of the disaster. 

State, tribal and eligible local governments as well as certain private nonprofit organizations will also be able to access public assistance federal funding “on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged in Vilas and Winnebago counties.” 

According to Troy Christensen, a FEMA public affairs specialist, the $17.9 million in assistance for Wisconsin reflected preliminary damage assessments in the affected communities. He said in an email to the Examiner that the amount is a “projected initial figure that may change as recovery costs are finalized.”

Christensen said that staff will help each applicant to “navigate their unique situation and specific needs.”