Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) is accepting applications for the second round of Pre-Disaster Flood Resilience Grants September 15-December 12, 2025. Here is one example of a project that was funded in the first round of applications.
Project sponsors: Dane County, Capitol Area Regional Planning Commission
Project location: Town of Black Earth in Dane County.
Project description: The project will restore a 330-meter segment of Black Earth Creek that was straightened nearly a century ago. Activities include stream realignment, floodplain reconnection, and in-stream work to promote healthy channel form and stability. With the floodplain reconnection, it’s expected that approximately 5.4 acres of wetlands adjacent to the stream will be restored, improving the capacity to attenuate floods.
Project significance: The project is in an area identified by local plans as one of high flood risk and is situated upstream from the Village of Black Earth, which has a history of flood damage – most recently in 2018. Black Earth Creek is detailed in multiple watershed plans, including the Dane County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan and Black Earth Creek Green Infrastructure Plan, which identified floodplain restoration as a strategy to mitigate flood damage. This project was selected through The Nature Conservancy’s Wetlands By Design opportunities analysis that looked for flat valley bottoms where restoration projects can occur.
Project timeline: Look forward to news of this project being constructed by the fall of 2026, if not sooner. Check the Wisconsin Emergency Management Website for a project summary within 90 days of the project completion.
Related content
Second Pre-Disaster Flood Resilience Grant period to open soon
Learn more about how to apply during the second round of grant applications.
Pre-Disaster Flood Resilience Grants announced
Agency Collaboration Profile: Wisconsin Emergency Management