Gov. Ferguson requests federal disaster aid from Trump after historic WA flooding
WSDOT: $40-50 million to repair WA roads after flooding
The state's department of transportation estimates it will cost at least $40 million to repair damaged roads from the historic flooding last month.
OLYMPIA, Wash. - Gov. Bob Ferguson formally asked President Trump to issue a federal major disaster declaration for Washington state following historic storms that caused widespread flooding and damage in December.
In a letter sent Wednesday, Ferguson requested FEMA to open Individual Assistance funding for survivors in affected counties and Tribal nations, estimated at $21.3 million. A separate request for federal funding to repair damaged public infrastructure is expected in February after damage assessments are completed.
The backstory:
Between Dec. 5 – Dec. 22, a series of atmospheric rivers and winter storms triggered flooding, landslides, power outages and severe damage across the state. More than 100,000 people were ordered to evacuate, there were 383 emergency rescues, nearly 4,000 homes were damaged and one person died.
The federal government had previously approved an emergency declaration, allowing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard to assist the public.
Flooding at Tacoma's Tyee Marina has clogged the water up with trees and debris. (Courtney Wimer)
What they're saying:
"The scale, duration, and severity of this disaster overwhelmed local and state response capabilities," Governor Ferguson said. "Thousands of families experienced devastating loss. Federal assistance is essential to help Washingtonians recover from these historic floods."
The governor’s request includes Chelan, Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston and Whatcom counties, in addition to 15 federally recognized Tribal nations.
US 2 washout (WSDOT)
If approved, residents would be able to apply directly to FEMA for Individual Assistance, which helps people with limited means to repair homes or secure temporary housing.
State officials said three of Washington’s largest rivers reached record levels, dozens of transportation routes were damaged, and hundreds of thousands of customers lost power during the storms. State lawmakers and Washington’s congressional delegation are expected to send bipartisan letters supporting the request later this week.
The Source: Information in this story comes from Washington Governor Bob Ferguson's Office.
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