News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 6, 1998
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke, Murray welcome federal aid for Ferry, Stevens counties

OLYMPIA — Gov. Gary Locke and U. S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) announced today that federal aid will be made available to supplement state and local recovery efforts in Ferry and Stevens counties, which were struck by severe storms and flooding in May of this year.

After the flooding, Locke and Murray worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to get a disaster declaration for Ferry and Stevens counties.

Locke said, "Government's greatest role is to be there when our citizens are in distress, when their lives have been devastated or impacted by natural disasters beyond their control. I am pleased that Ferry and Stevens counties will be getting federal assistance."

Murray added, "The storms that hit northeastern Washington in May were absolutely devastating to these communities. I was pleased to coordinate efforts with Governor Locke to get this federal assistance, which is critical to helping these communities rebuild."

Ferry and Stevens counties will be eligible on a cost-sharing basis for funds to help repair public facilities damaged by the severe storms and flooding. In addition, the two counties will be eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which helps reduce or prevent long-term risks from natural disasters.

The President made the disaster declaration today. Mark Ekman of FEMA's regional office in Bothell will coordinate the federal recovery efforts in Ferry and Stevens counties.

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