FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Dec. 1, 1995

Lowry urges residents to quickly report flood damage

Olympia - Gov. Mike Lowry today urged county officials to gather damage assessment information from flood victims as quickly as possible.

The governor is requesting that all information from the counties' rough assessments be submitted to the state by next Friday, Dec. 8.

"We need to move fast and aggressively in assessing flood damage," Lowry said. "We cannot wait the traditional 30 days to gather this information. We need it now."

Lowry will request federal disaster relief from President Bill Clinton if the necessary damage threshold has been met. The state is already working with federal authorities to assess damage statewide to ensure the process is quickly expedited.

"We are hoping the rain holds off so all counties can begin the assessment process," Lowry said.

In other activity:

• The state Department of Transportation continues work to reopen state roads and is providing aerial fly-overs for Washington State Emergency Management personnel for flood assessment.
• The Department of Ecology is surveying for pollution releases caused by flooding and providing updates on dam status and water release plans.
• The Department of Natural Resources is providing prison workers (juvenile offenders) to fill sandbags in Jefferson and Clark counties.
• The American Red Cross still has 10 shelters being used by 225 people.

NOTE: Flood victims should contact their local emergency management office, listed in local telephone directories.

For more information, contact the Governor's Communications Office, 360-753-6790.