April 17 flood recovery assistance
Summary
Residents told the council they're still dealing with flood damage a month later — uninsured losses, no working furnaces, and repair bills in the tens of thousands. They're asking the city for no-interest or low-interest emergency loans while waiting on FEMA. The city itself faces about $10.5 million in damage to public property.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 7
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 19, 2026.
Impact analysis
About $10.5 million in city property damage, plus tens of thousands in uninsured losses per household; possible additional borrowing.
Flood-affected homeowners and the whole community if recovery funding and repairs move forward.
Flood victims facing repair bills without insurance coverage or city loan assistance.
Mentions & discussions (8)
Community Development Authority - Aug 19, 2026
Anyone with damage from the April 2026 flooding — including renters — needs to file a FEMA claim by August 31. Applications take about 10 minutes online or can be filed at the Java Center.
City Council Meeting - Jul 27, 2026
Federal officials walked residents through disaster aid: rental assistance, reimbursements, and low-interest SBA loans (2% for homeowners, 4% for businesses). A recovery center operates at 1717 Center Avenue, and deadlines run through August 2026 and March 2027.
Community Development Authority - Jul 15, 2026
A disaster recovery center is open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the new job center at 1717 Center, with FEMA and SBA representatives helping residents, tenants, homeowners and business owners affected by the April 13-23 weather events.
City Council Meeting - Jul 13, 2026
FEMA declared a disaster for the April 17 flood. Residents can apply for individual assistance (often up to $6,000), businesses and homeowners can seek low-interest SBA loans, and applications are due August 31, 2026.
City Council Meeting - Jun 8, 2026
A flood victim asked the council to extend its low-interest business loan program to residents whose homes were damaged in the April 17 flash flood, many of whom are still living in gutted houses with insurers saying no.
City Council Meeting - May 26, 2026
Residents told the council they're still dealing with flood damage a month later — uninsured losses, no working furnaces, and repair bills in the tens of thousands. They're asking the city for no-interest or low-interest emergency loans while waiting on FEMA. The city itself faces about $10.5 million in damage to public property.
City Council Meeting - May 11, 2026
Damage estimates climbed to $30.9 million in private property and $17 million-plus in public infrastructure. Data goes to the county, then the state, which has requested a federal disaster declaration.
Janesville, Rock County assessing damage after flash flooding, Emerald Grove tornado
Janesville, Rock County assessing damage after flash flooding, Emerald Grove tornado GazetteXtra
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