FEMA Denies Federal Aid for Arizona Flooding, Sparking Outrage from State Democratic Leaders

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has rejected Arizona’s request for a major disaster declaration following devastating floods in Gila and Mohave counties this September. The decision, announced just days before Christmas, leaves local communities grappling with approximately $33 million in damages without federal support, prompting sharp criticism from Governor Katie Hobbs (D) and Attorney General Kris Mayes (D).

After historic storms caused severe damage in Gila & Mohave Counties, FEMA denied Arizona’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration. That leaves communities without critical help. I won’t accept it. I’m appealing this decision and fighting for the resources Arizonans need to…

— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) December 23, 2025

The floods, triggered by severe monsoon storms from September 25 to 27, 2025, caused widespread destruction across rural and Tribal areas. In Gila County, particularly around the City of Globe, flash flooding claimed at least three lives, damaged 312 homes (with 64 completely destroyed), and displaced 187 households.

As reported, infrastructure took a heavy hit: roads, bridges, sewer lines, and utilities suffered an estimated $23 million in repairs, part of a statewide total exceeding $33 million. Mohave County faced similar damage with washed-out bridges and eroded roadways halting. Governor Hobbs declared a state of emergency on September 27, mobilizing local resources, but officials quickly determined the scale overwhelmed state capacities.

Hobbs submitted a formal request to FEMA in November for Public Assistance funding to cover debris removal, infrastructure repairs, and hazard mitigation statewide. However, in a December 20 letter to the governor (see below), FEMA denied the plea, stating, “Based on our review of all of the information available, it has been determined that the damage from this event was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the state and affected local governments.” The agency concluded supplemental federal aid was “not necessary.”

Governor Hobbs swiftly condemned the ruling in a December 23 statement, calling it “reckless” and accusing the federal government of abandoning Arizonans. “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.”  She vowed to appeal within the 30-day window, collaborating with local leaders and Arizona’s congressional delegation to overturn the decision. 

According to the governor’s office, the State’s appeal will be submitted within the 30-day window allowed under federal regulations and will focus on the severity of damage, community vulnerability, and the strain placed on local and state resources.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on December 24, Attorney General Kris Mayes Mayes wrote, “It’s clear Donald Trump is more focused on things like building a golden ballroom, but the communities in Mohave and Gila counties deserve the full support of their government to help them recover and rebuild. This is an outrageous and cruel decision.” 

It’s clear Donald Trump is more focused on things like building a golden ballroom, but the communities in Mohave and Gila counties deserve the full support of their government to help them recover and rebuild. This is an outrageous and cruel decision. https://t.co/LkspXKFz5w

— AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes (@AZAGMayes) December 24, 2025

Her comments come amid a recent legal victory on December 12 against the Trump administration’s attempts to reform FEMA’s disaster preparedness programs with a focus on excessive federal spending and empowering states and local governments to provide relief to their communities.

Local officials expressed dismay. Globe Mayor Al Gameros highlighted ongoing sewer repairs, while Miami Mayor Gil Madrid warned of collapsing roads, stalling flood prevention projects without aid. The denial raises concerns for neighboring states like California, where similar monsoon patterns and federal aid dependencies could signal challenges in disaster response under FEMA’s tightened criteria.

Recently, FEMA has denied disaster declaration requests from Colorado, Maryland, and Wisconsin and partially denied a Michigan appeal for additional funding after an ice storm.

In a statement to Stateline, Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the National Security Council, explains FEMA’s new approach to federal aid:

“The Federal Government focuses its support on truly catastrophic disasters—massive hurricanes, devastating earthquakes, or wide-scale attacks on the homeland,” Hughes clarified.

Hughes said state and local governments “often remain an impediment to their own community’s resilience.” He called on states to take on a more extensive role.

“States must have adequate emergency management staff, adoption and enforcement of modern building codes, responsible planning and strategic investment to reduce future risk, commonsense policies that prioritize preparedness over politics, disaster reserve funds to handle what should be routine emergencies, pre-negotiated mutual aid and contingency contracts that speed up recovery, and above all, an appetite to own the problem,” the statement said.

No updates on Arizona’s appeal submission or progress have appeared on the Governor’s website, social media, or major news outlets since yesterday’s announcement. The process can take weeks or months for FEMA to review.