Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 20, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke’s Statement Regarding Federal Disaster Funding for Flood-Damaged Roads, Bridges and Buildings

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today issued the following statement on the approval of federal public disaster funds for roads, bridges and buildings damaged in October’s flooding:

“These additional federal dollars will help repair the roads, bridges and buildings that were damaged in the October floods.

“This disaster funding allows the state to make necessary repairs or replacing critical infrastructure vital to the affected communities.

“We will work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure that these funds are available as soon as possible.”

The federal public assistance aid request was submitted on Nov. 14 by Diane Offord, the state coordinating officer. The aid will be used to repair public-facility damage sustained in Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties.

The state and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will have about $10.7 million available for counties eligible for public assistance. FEMA will pay 75 percent of the costs with 25 percent of the non-federal match being shared between the state and the applicant.

On Oct. 28, Locke requested a presidential disaster declaration for assistance for Chelan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Okanogan, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston and Whatcom counties. The president issued the disaster declaration approving federal aid on Nov. 7.

# # #

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive