Governor Gregoire Requests President Bush Declare December Storms a Federal Disaster

For Immediate Release: December 6, 2007

OLYMPIA - Gov. Chris Gregoire today sent a letter to President Bush, requesting a federal disaster declaration for two Washington counties hit hard by this week�s storms and flooding. Gov. Gregoire requested assistance for Lewis and Grays Harbor counties; other affected counties will be added as damage details become more complete.

�I have toured flooded areas in our state the last two days and I will go out again today. As I meet with Washingtonians - our neighbors - who have lost everything, I am reminded time and time again of the tremendous heart and spirit of Washingtonians,� said Gov. Gregoire. �We have a huge task ahead of us, to restore our roads, reopen businesses and get people back in their homes, but if the effort and energy I�ve witnessed over the last few days is an indication, I know we will recover.�

Gregoire on Tuesday and Wednesday toured flooded areas in Lewis and Grays Harbor counties to survey damage and meet with local residents, community leaders and emergency workers.

�We were able to request federal assistance more quickly by flying over these flooded areas and getting an aerial assessment of damages, without having to wait for waters to recede. It may not be the normal way, but I pledge to do whatever I can to speed up this process and get support for our friends and families to get back to their lives.�

Gregoire said the disaster request initially seeks Individual Assistance and she expects to submit an amended request including Public Assistance, along with the identification of additional counties with major damages. Relief through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program will also be requested. This program uses a percentage of disaster assistance funds to promote mitigation projects.

The governor asked that the Individual Assistance include crisis counseling and training, disaster unemployment assistance and U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans.

As the floodwaters recede, additional surveys of public infrastructure and private damages will be conducted. The results of these surveys will support the addition of other affected counties, as well as support the governor�s state disaster request for Public Assistance, which helps local governments repair damage to public infrastructure.

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