Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs is sharply criticizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after the agency denied the state’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following severe late-September flooding that ravaged Gila and Mohave Counties.
The September 25–27 monsoon storms caused widespread destruction to homes, bridges, and public infrastructure, as well as the loss of three lives. State and local assessments placed total damages above $30 million — a figure that, according to the governor’s office, has historically met the criteria for federal disaster assistance. Despite those findings, FEMA concluded the damage did not exceed Arizona’s ability to respond and declined to provide Public Assistance or Hazard Mitigation funding.
“The people of Gila and Mohave County were devastated by flooding from severe monsoon storms this September,” Hobbs said in a statement. “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.”
Hobbs declared a state of emergency on September 27 and confirmed that Arizona will appeal FEMA’s decision within the 30-day federal window. The appeal, her office said, will emphasize the scale of destruction, the financial vulnerability of affected communities, and the strain placed on local governments.
Local officials joined Hobbs in condemning the federal decision. Gila County Board of Supervisors Chairman Steve Christensen called FEMA’s rejection “a devastating blow,” warning that the county “can never meet [recovery challenges] standing alone.” Globe Mayor Al Gameros said the floods “forever transformed our small, tight-knit rural communities,” urging FEMA to “reexamine their methodology” and reverse course.
In neighboring Miami, Mayor Gil Madrid said the denial was “a frustrating setback” but promised to keep pushing for relief. Mohave County Manager Sam Elters echoed those concerns, voicing full support for Hobbs’ appeal and describing “severe and extensive damage” across county infrastructure.
As communities continue recovery efforts through the holidays, Hobbs said the state will keep pressing FEMA and working with Arizona’s congressional delegation to secure the federal aid residents desperately need.
