County Executive Melissa Agard Applauds State Investment in Dane County Flood Resilience

April 01, 2025
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive

MADISON, WI — Dane County Executive Melissa Agard today celebrated the awarding of more than $437,000 in state flood mitigation funding to support local efforts to assess and address flood risks in Dane County. The funding comes from the Pre-Disaster Flood Resilience Grant (PDFRG) program, created by Governor Tony Evers and administered by Wisconsin Emergency Management. The PDFRG program covers 75% of project costs, with local, federal, or nonprofit sources covering the remainder. Demand for the program was high, with over $3.8 million in requests and only $2 million available statewide.

 

“Flooding is one of the most frequent and costly climate-related threats facing Dane County,” said County Executive Agard. “I’m grateful to Governor Evers for prioritizing proactive investments that help us prepare before disaster strikes, and I’m proud that Dane County is being recognized for leading with science, sustainability, and collaboration.”

 

Dane County received two awards:

 

  • $250,000 Implementation Grant – to restore a degraded stretch of Black Earth Creek and its surrounding wetlands. This project will reconnect the creek to its floodplain, improve the natural flow of water, and increase the area’s capacity to manage floodwaters.
  • $187,500 Assessment Grant – awarded to the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC) to conduct a comprehensive stream crossing inventory throughout Dane County, identifying vulnerabilities in culverts, bridges, and other infrastructure that affect water flow and flood resilience.

 

“These projects will strengthen our infrastructure, protect public and private property, and restore critical natural areas that act as buffers during extreme weather events,” Agard added. “This is climate resilience in action.”

 

The funding comes as communities across Wisconsin and the nation face growing threats from flooding due to more frequent and intense storms. Dane County has made major investments in flood resilience in recent years, including restoring wetlands and improving emergency response capabilities.

 

“We know that protecting people and property from flooding doesn’t start after the rain falls,” Agard said. “It starts with smart planning, partnerships, and targeted investments like these.”