OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The state has made its first step towards receiving federal aid following December’s historic flooding.
Gov. Bob Ferguson sent a letter to President Donald Trump today (Wed) formally requesting him to approve a federal major disaster declaration.
The governor also asked FEMA to open up more than $21 million in federal assistance for flood survivors.
“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 funds would help people repair their homes or find temporary housing.
The state is still waiting to submit a request for federal funding to repair and enhance public infrastructure.
The deadline to apply is Feb. 18, though the state is still waiting to get a better idea of how much damage was done.
Its latest estimate tabbed the flood damage somewhere between $40 and $50 million on state roads.
