Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect updated COVID-19-related reimbursement funds coming to our region. Last updated 5/20/26 11:38 a.m.
WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Recovery funding is on its way for residents impacted by the 2021 floods.
Democratic Congressman Rick Larsen announced that FEMA has released nearly $4 million in funding for those flood victims.
Money from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program was initially requested by Larsen right after the floods occurred in November 2021. The funds will be used to help homeowners whose properties are eligible for buyouts in flood-prone regions.
On Tuesday, the Whatcom County Council voted unanimously to approve relocation processes for three properties in Deming, Acme and Everson. All three had already been bought out by the county and have starting bids of $500 for anyone willing to move the structures outside of the flood zone.
It’s unclear if the latest funding secured by Congressman Larsen can be used by prospective buyers to cover relocation costs.
FEMA is also reimbursing health care providers across the state for COVID-19 response costs.
The agency has released $546 million statewide to cover expenses tied to materials and supplies that were used during the pandemic.
The Washington Department of Health received the bulk of the funds at $262.95 million. PeaceHealth was among the top local recipients at $5 million, while Skagit Regional Health was awarded $2.1 million.
FEMA said it conducted a thorough review of claimed expenses before closing out its remaining COVID-era reimbursements.
