WAUPACA COUNTY, WI – Waupaca County is preparing for future flooding emergencies while continuing to seek state and federal assistance following a year marked by severe weather, flooding, and winter storms.
Last week, the Waupaca County Emergency Management Committee approved the purchase of 100,000 new sandbags to replenish supplies used during recent flooding events. Emergency Management Director Zac Van Asten said the county utilized more than 100,000 sandbags during flood response efforts and needed to rebuild its inventory ahead of future emergencies.
The county was able to secure the new sandbags at a cost of 12 cents each, below the current state rate. Officials say maintaining an adequate supply is critical as weather-related emergencies continue to impact the region.
At the same time, county leaders are awaiting decisions on multiple requests for federal assistance.
Van Asten said Waupaca County has submitted damage assessments to the Federal Emergency Management Agency following this year’s storms, flooding, and winter weather events. County officials estimate disaster-related expenses in 2026 are approaching $2 million as communities continue recovery efforts.
Additional assistance could soon be available through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Governor Tony Evers recently requested a Small Business Administration Rapid Disaster Declaration that would include Waupaca County among four Wisconsin counties eligible for low-interest disaster loans for residents and businesses impacted by this spring’s severe weather and flooding.
The request follows joint damage assessments conducted by local, state, and federal officials that documented significant damage throughout the region. If approved, the declaration would make disaster loans available not only in Waupaca County but also in 20 neighboring counties.
County officials say they will continue working with state and federal agencies while awaiting decisions on both FEMA and SBA assistance requests as recovery efforts move forward.
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