Governor Evers Announces Flood Grants

Updated to add quote from Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim.

GREEN BAY, WI- (WGBW) – Over $675 thousand in grants to help flood-prone areas will come to Northeast Wisconsin. On Monday, Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (DMA) announced $2 million in flood grants to local communities and organizations through the Pre-Disaster Flood Resilience Grant (PDFRG) program. 

The program, administered by Wisconsin Emergency Management, aims to help communities in flood-prone areas identify flood vulnerabilities such as erosion hazards, road and culvert washouts, and incised stream channels. It works to implement solutions, such as reconnecting streams and floodplains, mitigating erosion hazards, restoring or improving natural flow and movement of water or sediment, and reestablishing area foliage and plant life to help naturally manage flooding before disaster strikes. 

Flooding in Wisconsin

“Flooding is one of the most common disasters our state experiences, costing Wisconsin families millions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses, local infrastructure, and the environment,” said Gov. Evers. “I was glad to create this program to help communities mitigate the impacts of flooding and build flood-resilient infrastructure, and I look forward to getting these funds out the door and into the hands of partners across the state to help give folks the tools needed to prevent flood damage, protect property, and keep folks safe.”

In July of 2024, heavy rain led to flash floods in Appleton and Oshkosh, resulting in property damage and limited evacuations and prompting Gov. Evers to declare a state of emergency for both Outagamie and Winnebago counties. 

“In light of the severe flooding that the Fox Valley experienced this past summer, this grant money is absolutely essential to help our local governments prevent further property damage and ensure that our cities are better equipped to respond to flooding events in the future,” said Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D-Appleton) in a press release Tuesday. 

There are two types of flood grants in the PDFRG—assessment and implementation:  

• Assessment grants offer funding for gathering information on vulnerabilities and flood resilience priorities, such as understanding erosion hazards or identifying opportunities to increase flood resilience
• Implementation grants offer funding for the implementation of wetland, culvert, floodplain, or stream restoration projects identified through an assessment grant or comparable assessment project. These restoration projects include reconnecting streams and floodplains and improving the natural flow of water or sediment. 

The PDFRG covers 75 percent of the project, while the other 25 percent is covered by non-state funds, such as federal, local, private, or nonprofit funding, as well as in-kind donations.

NEW Flood Grants

Statewide, 11 communities received approximately $2 million in grant funding. Recipients from Northeast Wisconsin include:

Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission | $53,740

An assessment grant will be used to analyze flood vulnerability and identify degraded hydrology in Northeast Wisconsin, specifically in Brown, Door, Florence, Manitowoc, Marinette, Oconto, and Sheboygan counties.

Outagamie County | $71,825

An assessment grant to study water flow and hydraulic structure, create a culvert inventory, and analyze flood mitigation alternatives.

City of Oshkosh | $300,000

An assessment grant to study water flow and hydraulic structures in several small, flood-prone urban areas. The funding would also be used to analyze flood mitigation alternatives.

City of Green Bay | $250,000

An implementation grant to restore Emilie Park along the East River to its natural wetland state to increase flood storage and improve resiliency.

Flood Grant Reasons

Flooding is one of the most frequently occurring natural disasters across Wisconsin and the United States. Floods affect a number of Wisconsin municipalities and increasing damage costs to public and private property. In April 2023, Gov. Evers declared a state of emergency due to elevated flooding concerns following heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt that contributed to flooding issues in several counties across the state. Last July, Gov. Evers declared a state of emergency for several Northeast Wisconsin communities following severe flash floods. The growing threat of flooding and other severe weather underscores the importance of communities evaluating their risk of flooding. Communities must take appropriate actions to prepare for and mitigate flooding concerns before an emergency occurs. Additional information on the PDFRG and other hazard mitigation grants can be found here. 

Other Statewide Flood Grants

Capital Area Regional Planning Commission | $187,500

An assessment grant for a stream crossing inventory throughout Dane County.

Vernon County | $299,039

An assessment grant for a county-wide culvert inventory, water flow, and structure study. Additionally it will fund assessing floodplain conditions on privately owned land.

Town of Shelby (La Crosse County) | $114,465

An assessment grant to look at erosion vulnerability and recommend ways to increase flood resilience. Grant funding would also go towards a culvert inventory for the township.

Dane County | $250,000

An implementation grant to restore a degraded stretch of the Black Earth Creek and surrounding wetlands.

Town of Dodge (Trempealeau County) | $102,603

An assessment grant to study water flow and hydraulic structure and develop flood resilience strategies.

Village of Somers | $121,500

An assessment grant to study water flow and hydraulic structure and analyze flood mitigation alternatives.

Ozaukee County | $249,326

An implementation grant to return Sucker Creek to its natural shape and restore surrounding wetlands, floodplains, and aquatic habitats.