On Thursday, Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump and FEMA Region IX Administrator Robert Fenton in support of Arizona’s appeal following FEMA’s denial of a major disaster declaration for Gila County after last September’s flooding.
Representatives Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), and David Schweikert (R-AZ) also signed the letter.
Arizona initially 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 as well as statewide Hazard Mitigation assistance. The state’s first estimate of damages was $33,579,081, but this request was denied by FEMA on December 20, 2025.
A subsequent review by state and local officials led to an updated assessment that placed total damages at over $100 million. This figure reflects additional analysis of residential land impacts, public infrastructure damage, debris removal, and emergency response costs. Rep. Crane is working directly with FEMA to emphasize the specific challenges faced by rural communities in Arizona due to their proximity to federal land.
The letter addressed ongoing risks such as unstable slopes and sediment-filled waterways that continue to threaten public safety, critical infrastructure, and the environment. It stated that Federal Hazard Mitigation assistance could help state and local governments address these hazards and improve long-term resilience.
Rep. Crane recently met with FEMA officials in Washington D.C., inviting them to visit Gila County for discussions with local leaders, affected residents, and those who prepared the appeal documentation.
“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.”
Eli Crane has represented Arizona’s 2nd congressional district since 2023 after succeeding Tom O’Halleran. He was born in Tucson in 1980 and currently lives in Oro Valley.
