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Governor Gregoire Thanks Federal Officials for Individual Assistance for Grays Harbor and Lewis Counties

For Immediate Release: December 9, 2007

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today thanked federal officials for their response to her request for Individual Assistance for residents of Grays Harbor and Lewis counties. Other counties may be added to the declaration as FEMA teams work to assess the damage.

�I have toured flooded areas in our state over the last several days and, every day, I met Washingtonians who shared with me their very touching personal stories,� said Gov. Gregoire. �So many of our neighbors are working to recover from these storms and I would like to thank President Bush and federal officials from FEMA for their response to my request for federal aid. I know that this help cannot bring lives back to the way they were, but it will bring much needed help.�

�The Congressional Delegation stands behind Gov. Gregoire 100 percent. She has been a tremendous leader in a time of great tragedy,� said U.S. Sen. Patty Murray. �We thank FEMA and all the federal officials who have answered the call from people who are hurting across western Washington. This infusion of funds will make a huge difference for the people who are hurting most. And, most importantly, there is much more work to be done. We stand ready to continue to help the families and businesses across our state who have lost so much.�

When the President authorizes Individual Assistance, FEMA's Individuals and Households Program can help residents affected by the disaster with housing needs and necessary expenses.

�I am grateful to the members of our state�s Congressional delegation � Senators Murray and Cantwell and Congressmen Baird and Dicks. They toured the area with me and saw and heard the human tragedies firsthand. I am also extremely grateful to the hundreds of first responders; our federal, state and local partners and the volunteers in the community who stepped up and are making a real difference in the recovery from this storm,� said Gov. Gregoire. �I am continually in awe of the kindness of Washingtonians and our generous state.�

Telephone registration for assistance is available immediately for residents of Grays Harbor and Lewis counties by calling 1-800-621-FEMA. Online registration will be available beginning Monday, Dec. 10 at www.fema.gov. Speech or hearing-impaired callers can use the TTY number 1-800-462-7585. The Individual Assistance is currently only available to residents of Grays Harbor and Lewis counties. Work is continuing to determine if other counties are eligible for federal assistance.

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