Imagine losing everything to a raging flood, only to be told by the federal government that you’re on your own. That’s the harsh reality for Arizonans in Gila and Mohave counties, where FEMA has denied flood aid for communities battered by September’s brutal monsoon storms. It’s a decision that stings, especially when the damage tally exceeds $30 million.
Severe storms this September unleashed catastrophic flooding across parts of Arizona, leaving public infrastructure and private homes in ruins with losses estimated at over $30 million, yet FEMA has denied disaster relief to the affected counties.
This isn’t just a bureaucratic hiccup; it’s a gut punch to rural towns like Globe, Arizona, where the devastation has been called historic. Local leaders are reeling, and rightfully so, as they scramble to rebuild without federal support. How does a small community recover from “unprecedented damage” without a lifeline?
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs didn’t mince words about the federal snub. “The people of Gila and Mohave County were devastated by flooding from severe monsoon storms this September. Now, they’ve been denied support from the federal government with little explanation,” Hobbs said in a statement.
Let’s unpack that: devastated communities, minimal explanation, and no aid. If that doesn’t sound like a government disconnected from the heartland, what does? It’s hard not to see this as another example of Washington’s tone-deaf approach to real American struggles.
Globe Mayor Al Gameros echoed the frustration, painting a vivid picture of the toll. “These floods caused historic and unprecedented damage and has forever transformed our small, tight-knit rural communities,” Gameros said. He’s not wrong—small towns don’t have the deep pockets to bounce back solo.
Gameros didn’t stop there, calling out FEMA’s decision-making process. “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 their methodology,” he added. That’s a polite way of saying, “Get your act together, FEMA.”
Gov. Hobbs, for her part, has promised to appeal the denial, refusing to let Arizonans be left high and dry. It’s a move that shows state leadership stepping up where federal bureaucracy has stumbled. But appeals take time, and flood victims need help now, not later.
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA, has stayed silent on the matter, offering no immediate comment. That silence speaks volumes, doesn’t it? When disaster strikes, the least Washington could do is explain itself.
This isn’t the first time the Trump administration has taken a hard line on disaster relief, as seen earlier this year when Colorado was denied aid after wildfires and floods. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis fought back then, and Arizona officials are following suit now. It’s a pattern that raises questions about federal priorities.
Under the Stafford Act, the president holds the power to declare a major disaster, unlocking critical federal resources. Yet, that declaration hasn’t come for Arizona, leaving communities in limbo. Is this tough-love conservatism, or just plain neglect?
Critics might argue this administration is focused on fiscal restraint, avoiding endless handouts. Fair enough, but when floods wipe out roads and homes, fiscal restraint feels like a cold shoulder to folks who’ve lost everything. Balance is needed, not blanket denials.
Arizona officials aren’t giving up, continuing to press for federal assistance as affected areas struggle to rebuild. It’s a fight worth watching, because these are real people—not statistics—picking up the pieces. Shouldn’t their government have their back?
Mayor Gameros has urged FEMA to reverse its course and approve a Major Disaster Declaration. His plea isn’t just politics; it’s a cry for common sense in a time of crisis. Let’s hope someone in Washington is listening.
At the end of the day, this story isn’t about partisan games or progressive agendas—it’s about Americans who need help after nature dealt them a brutal hand. FEMA’s denial might fit a certain belt-tightening narrative, but it risks alienating the very heartland voters conservatives claim to champion. Arizona deserves a reconsideration, and fast.
