Residents in Forest, Outagamie, Vilas and Winnebago counties affected by the July 27 tornado and severe storms can apply for federal disaster assistance, FEMA said Thursday. The agency put the initial aid total at $17.9 million, an amount it said may change as recovery costs are finalized. The storms damaged and destroyed homes in communities including Appleton and Menasha. FEMA assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans for uninsured property losses and other recovery programs. People seeking help should first file claims with their insurance providers, then apply through DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA app or by calling 1-800-621-3362. FEMA public affairs specialist Troy Christensen said agency staff can help applicants understand their individual circumstances and needs. State, tribal and eligible local governments, along with some nonprofit organizations, may also qualify for federal cost-sharing for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities in Vilas and Winnebago counties. The federal aid follows an August request from Gov. Tony Evers. State damage assessments at the time identified more than $8.2 million in damage to over 2,300 residential properties and more than $13.8 million in public-sector damage. Communities had relied on local fundraising while the request remained pending. President Donald Trump said Wednesday he would approve the funding after speaking with U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is running for governor. Evers said Wednesday he had not heard directly from the federal administration and questioned when the money would become available, accusing Trump and Tiffany of politicizing the aid. Evers’ office had not immediately responded Thursday to a request for an update on whether it had received direct federal notice. FEMA said the $17.9 million is a projected initial amount based on preliminary damage assessments. The final assistance total may shift as recovery expenses are determined.