An opportunity for you to possibly recoup funds lost during storms that hit the area in August has been denied according to the Evers administration on Friday. 

Governor Tony Evers said he will appeal a decision made by the Trump Administration to deny Wisconsin’s application for public assistance for six counties including Door County to address more than $26.5 million in damage caused by August’s storms. In a letter sent to Evers, FEMA said that while the impact to individuals and households was significant, based on the Preliminary Damage Assessments, “it has been determined that the public assistance program is not warranted.” 

Door County was included in the initial disaster declaration by Evers because of a confirmed tornado that touched down at Peninsula State Park during the storms on August 9th. According to the National Weather Service, the tornado carried peak speeds of 73 miles per hour, causing significant damage to powerlines and trees before traveling across Eagle Harbor as a waterspout.  

“The federal government should not expect our communities go through this alone, and we are going to fight tooth and nail to ensure they get every possible resource to rebuild and recover,” Evers said in his statement “We are hopeful that the Trump Administration will reconsider this decision, so we can make sure folks have the resources and support they need.”  

According to ABC News, the Trump Administration also denied disaster relief in Illinois, Vermont and Maryland while approving it in Alaska, Nebraska, Northern Dakota, and the Leech Lake Band of the Ojibwe.  Earlier this year, President Donald Trump suggested phasing out FEMA in efforts to have states take on more responsibility with their disaster response and recovery.