Governor Gregoire Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for Windstorm Damages

For Immediate Release: February 6, 2007

OLYMPIA - Governor Chris Gregoire proclaimed a state of emergency in seven counties due to widespread damages from windstorms on January 5 - 7. The proclamation covers Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Island, Jefferson, King and Snohomish counties. She also sent a letter to President Bush requesting federal disaster aid for damage to public facilities in these counties.

The request for federal aid is based on a damage survey conducted last month by teams of local, state and federal officials. These preliminary surveys indicated the most severe impacts were to electric and communication utilities, parks and recreational areas and public buildings.

Governor Gregoire�s proclamation directs state government to support emergency response activities in the affected counties, allowing state agencies to make expenditures and utilize resources to assist local communities in their recovery efforts, and authorizes the Washington National Guard to activate their resources. State actions are coordinated through the State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray.

###