Rep. Crane Works with FEMA as They Consider Appeal for Gila County Disaster Declaration

On Thursday, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump and FEMA Region IX Administrator Robert Fenton supporting Arizona's appeal of FEMA's December 20, 2025, decision denying a major disaster declaration after the severe flooding in Gila County last September.

Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), and David Schweikert (R-AZ) joined Rep. Crane in signing the letter.

Following the flooding, Arizona requested federal assistance under Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, seeking Public Assistance for Gila and Mohave Counties and statewide Hazard Mitigation assistance. The state's initial damage estimate totaled $33,579,081; however, the request was denied.

After the decision, state and local officials conducted a second review of residential land impacts, public infrastructure damage, debris removal, and emergency response costs. The updated assessment is far more accurate, placing total damages at more than $100,000,000, representing a substantially stronger case than the initial submission. Rep. Crane is also working directly with FEMA to highlight the uniqueness of rural Arizona and the challenges these communities face as a result of being surrounded by federal land.

The letter highlights ongoing risks, including unstable slopes and sediment-laden waterways that continue to threaten public safety, critical infrastructure, and the surrounding environment. With Federal Hazard Mitigation assistance, state and local governments could proactively address these hazards and bolster long-term resilience.

Rep. Crane met directly with FEMA officials in D.C. last week and invited them to visit Gila County to speak directly with local leaders, impacted residents, and the individuals who prepared the appeal.

"With this more accurate assessment, FEMA will now have a better sense of the damage to these storied communities," said Rep. Crane. "While many democrat elected officials were quick to point fingers and score cheap points, we worked behind the scenes to strengthen our efforts and believe the State of Arizona's updated figures present a far stronger case for federal assistance. We applaud President Trump's ongoing commitment to Arizona and look forward to continuing our work with his team at FEMA as they consider this appeal, which would deliver much-needed assistance to residents in rural Arizona."