News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 11, 1997
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke requests federal disaster aid for Pend Oreille County

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today requested President Clinton declare a federal disaster area in Pend Oreille County in response to near-record flooding this spring.


Locke also said he will ask the 1998 Legislature to provide an estimated $200,000 in state funding to meet costs the county would otherwise have to bear to qualify for federal assistance.


In his request for federal assistance, Locke noted that the spring flooding was the worst in Pend Oreille in 25 years and the fourth weather disaster to strike the county in the last eight months.


"Nothing can replace the personal loss from the disasters, but we need to do everything we can to help residents and local governments in Pend Oreille County begin the recovery effort," Locke said.


Initial damage assessments showed 144 primary residences and businesses suffered some damage from Pend Oreille River flooding, which began in mid-April and ended June 24. Local jurisdictions in the county reported emergency response actions and public facility damage totaling at least $1.3 million.


In his formal request to the president, Locke sought federal assistance to repair damaged public facilities and also to assist individuals needing temporary housing assistance or help in making repairs.


At the time of the flooding, Locke had proclaimed a state of emergency in Pend Oreille County and activated the Washington National Guard, which provided potable water and manned traffic control points in the county from May 23 to June 29.


Today's request for federal assistance was sent to President Clinton through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Region X office in Bothell.

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