FEMA denies Arizona disaster funding after Globe-area flooding in September

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has denied the state of Arizona disaster assistance after flooding in September caused damage that local leaders say reached $30 million.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and local leaders from Gila and Mohave counties released joint statements condemning the decision by FEMA on Tuesday and said they would appeal it.

“The people of Gila and Mohave county were devastated by flooding from severe monsoon storms this September,” Hobbs said. “Now, they’ve been denied support from the federal government with little explanation.

“By denying much-needed relief, this administration is leaving Arizonans out on their own after their homes, businesses, roads and bridges were decimated by historic storms. I will appeal this reckless decision and continue doing everything in my power to ensure Arizona communities don’t pay the price for the federal government’s senseless policies.”

Globe and Miami received heavy rainfall from Sept. 25-27 during a surge of monsoon storms in the state. Hobbs declared a state of emergency on Sept. 27, which released $200,000 of the state’s emergency funding amid a government shutdown.

Gila County confirmed at least three flood-related deaths after the Globe area received 2.5 inches of rain over a 24-hour period.

The damages far exceeded “the thresholds historically used to justify federal disaster assistance,” the state leaders’ release said, and FEMA determined the damages “did not exceed state and local capacity and denied Arizona’s request for public assistance and statewide hazard mitigation support.”

More leaders react to FEMA declining funding for September flooding in Arizona

Globe Mayor Al Gameros: “I want to thank Governor Hobbs, as well as the strong bipartisan support from our congressional delegation, for requesting a FEMA Major Disaster Declaration in response to the devastating floods that resulted in the death of three residents, and destroyed parts of our historic downtown, critical infrastructure such as bridges and roads as well as numerous community assets.

“These floods caused historic and unprecedented damage and (have) forever transformed our small, tight-knit rural communities. Our community is extremely disappointed by FEMA’s short-sighted decision to deny the State’s Major Disaster Declaration and we respectfully request that it reexamines (its) methodology and determines that this devastating flood event meets the critical criteria. I strongly urge FEMA to reverse course and immediately issue an approved Major Disaster Declaration.”

Gila County Board of Supervisors District One Supervisor and Chairman Steve Christensen: “Devastation from our recent and profound flooding in southern Gila County has left many in financial ruin, homes destroyed, infrastructure destroyed or badly damaged, as well as loss of life.

“Gila County is left with significant challenges that we can never meet standing alone. Assistance from FEMA is vital, without which we will not recover to any level of the restoration needed. Please approve funding immediately for the work we MUST do in Gila County.”

Miami Mayor Gil Madrid: “Miami is a strong and resilient community, and I know we can build back from this devastation, but this is a frustrating setback that will have a real impact on our families and businesses. I will continue working with state and local partners to ensure we get the support we need from the federal government to support our community. I urge the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to reconsider (its) decision and deliver this important relief to my city after we were struck by historic flooding.”

Mohave County Manager and County Engineer Sam Elters: “The September 2025 storms resulted in significant flooding and caused widespread, severe and extensive damage in multiple areas of Mohave County, including roadways and facilities. We fully support the Governor’s efforts to request and seek FEMA’s approval.”

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