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Governor Gregoire Announces Federal Aid Available for Families

For Immediate Release: December 12, 2006

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today announced that her request to President Bush for a federal disaster declaration for Washington families has been approved. President Bush today sent a letter to Governor Gregoire authorizing Federal relief and recovery assistance in the affected area. Governor Gregoire requested federal disaster aid for individuals and businesses in 11 counties on November 22.

�Washingtonians will have access to additional support as they work to recover and rebuild their communities,� said Governor Gregoire. �I know many people lost their homes and belongings in the record rains and flooding of last month and this is a tough time to be focused on repairing your home and getting back to a daily routine.�

The President's declaration authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide disaster assistance for residents and business owners who incurred damages in Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pierce, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, and Wahkiakum counties between November 2-11. The declaration will include damages from severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides. The declaration also approves a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for eligible agencies in all counties of the state.

Residents in the 11 designated counties can apply for federal aid that can include grants to help pay for temporary housing needs, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses. Residents and business owners may also be eligible for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to cover losses not compensated by insurance.

The President�s letter indicates that the federal government is still processing and evaluating Governor Gregoire�s request for federal aid for damages to public facilities. The request was forwarded December 11 to FEMA.

According to FEMA, residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) Monday through Saturday until further notice.

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