Federal disaster assistance is on the way to Washington after severe storms triggered flooding, landslides, and widespread damage across much of the state.
FEMA announced Friday that the president approved an emergency declaration to support response efforts tied to storms that began Dec. 9 and are ongoing.
What the declaration does
The emergency declaration allows FEMA to coordinate federal disaster relief to help protect lives, property, public health, and safety. The agency can also mobilize equipment and resources to reduce the risk of further damage.
Emergency protective measures will qualify for federal public assistance, with the federal government covering 75% of eligible costs. The aid is limited to direct federal assistance at this stage.
Areas covered
The declaration applies to a wide swath of Washington, including Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom, and Yakima counties.
It also covers the Samish Indian Nation and all other Tribal Nations within the designated jurisdictions.
Leadership and next steps
FEMA named John Harrison as the Federal Coordinating Officer to oversee response operations in the affected areas.
FEMA said it may expand assistance later if the state requests it and if further damage assessments show the need for additional support.
The declaration follows a stretch of severe weather that included heavy rain, straight-line winds, flooding, and mudslides across western and central Washington.
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