GLOBE, Ariz. — Federal Emergency Management Agency officials have denied Arizona’s appeal for a major disaster declaration after last year’s historic flooding in Globe, leaving local leaders and business owners to shoulder recovery costs they say exceed the city’s resources.
Damage, deaths and denied aid
Local officials estimate the flooding caused about $96 million in damage and say the storm led to three deaths. Despite that toll and continuing concerns about monsoon-season runoff, FEMA determined the event did not meet its threshold for a major disaster declaration — a decision that would have unlocked additional federal grants and assistance for individuals and infrastructure.
“I don’t know what would then,” Globe Mayor Al Gameros said, referencing the three fatalities and millions in damage. “We’re talking about three deaths in the storm. You’re talking about millions of dollars of damage.”
Business owners who rebuilt say the decision feels like a setback. Brenda Tyler, owner of the Globe Antique Mall, said the shop survived and reopened after extensive repairs, but still faces steep losses and limited space because nearby buildings were demolished.
“I’m surprised that we’re open right now. I mean with all the damage and debris,” Tyler said. “I’m disgusted. Totally disgusted that it was declared a disaster area, and yet they’re not going to do anything about it.”
Recovery efforts and mitigation projects
Not all outside funding has disappeared. Officials noted a $21 million federally funded flood prevention project along Pinal Creek is nearly complete. City leaders say that work is critical as heavy rains can again threaten neighborhoods, commercial corridors and the downtown business district.
Mayor Gameros said multiple homes and buildings remain unsafe, with several structures slated for demolition where flood damage was extreme.
- Estimated total damages: $96 million
- Fatalities attributed to the storm: 3
- Nearby federally funded mitigation project: $21 million Pinal Creek project (nearly finished)
- Local commercial impacts: businesses reopened after significant repairs; some buildings torn down
The denial of a major disaster declaration means affected residents and small businesses may not qualify for the full suite of FEMA public assistance and individual assistance programs typically available after such a declaration. That places more pressure on state funds, local budgets and private insurance payouts.
What this means for Globe and the region
Globe sits in a part of Arizona that routinely sees intense monsoon activity. City leaders and residents are warning that without federal recovery funds, rebuilding will be slower and more piecemeal, and some mitigation measures may be postponed or scaled back.
The nearly finished Pinal Creek project will provide some protection for parts of the city, but officials say additional investments — and perhaps new funding strategies — will be required to address long-standing vulnerabilities.
| Item | Figure / Status |
|---|---|
| Estimated damages | $96 million (local estimate) |
| Deaths | 3 |
| Pinal Creek flood project | $21 million — nearly complete |
For now, residents and business owners will press state lawmakers and local officials for guidance on alternative funding streams. The denial also raises questions for other Arizona communities facing flood risks: at what point does FEMA’s threshold for aid leave smaller cities to fend for themselves?
Local leaders said they will continue documenting losses and appealing to state and federal representatives for support, while directing residents to county offices and local nonprofits that can provide immediate help with cleanup, temporary housing and damage assessment.
As Globe rebuilds, the broader debate over federal disaster thresholds and how to fund resilience in smaller, flood-prone communities is likely to intensify across the state during the next monsoon season.
