Governor Gregoire Expands Emergency Proclamation for Road Damages

For Immediate Release: February 3, 2006

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today signed an emergency proclamation to request federal aid for statewide road damages caused by winter flooding and slides in every Washington county.

�The onslaught of winter storms has increased flood and slide damage to major roads in our state. The state Department of Transportation reports that damage to our federal roads system has risen to more than $6 million since Dec. 19, with additional storms expected to hit the state this weekend,� said Governor Gregoire. �The state Emergency Management Division continues to work closely with counties and cities to respond to the state�s ongoing winter flood and slide problems.�

The Governor signed a proclamation on Jan. 12 that sought federal resources for road damages in 12 counties. The Governor�s proclamation today extends that request to all 39 counties in the state.

Homeowners who have sustained flood and slide damages since Jan. 27 should report those losses to their nearest city or county emergency management offices.

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For further information on federal disaster aid programs and damage assessments, contact Rob Harper, public information officer, Washington Emergency Management Division, at 253-512-7005.

For information on state road damages and repairs, contact Lloyd Brown, communications director, Washington Department of Transportation, at 360-705-7076.