News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 21, 1997
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

President declares Pend Oreille disaster area

OLYMPIA - President Clinton today designated Pend Oreille County as a major disaster area in response to Gov. Gary Locke's July 11 request for federalassistance, following major flooding in the county from April through June. The President's declaration authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide assistance for stricken residents and business owners in Pend Oreille County for damages that occurred between April 10 and June 30.


"We appreciate the quick response from federal officials," Locke said. "Now the people affected by flooding in Pend Oreille can start to apply for disaster assistance." Locke also said this particular disaster request was not a slam dunk. "We had to work hard to make our case to federal officials, and we greatly appreciate the extra effort put in by local and state officials to get the job done."


Locke has also said he will ask the 1998 Legislature to provide an estimated $200,000 in state funding to assist the county with costs it may incur in order to qualify for federal assistance.


FEMA Director James Lee Witt has designated the county as eligible for federal aid that can include grants to help pay for temporary housing needs, minor home repairs and other disaster-related expenses. Residents and business owners may also be eligible for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to cover losses not compensated by insurance. A team of federal and state officials will travel to Pend Oreille County this week to help the county's recovery programs get underway.


Pend Oreille residents and business owners who sustained losses can begin the disaster application process Tuesday, July 22, by calling FEMA's teleregistration number (800) 462-9029, or (800) 462-7585 (TDD) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.


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