FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 8, 1995

Counties begin reporting flood damages

OLYMPIA -- The governor's office will begin reviewing county flood damage totals as they arrive today and tomorrow.

At this point, damages so far are estimated at ----, Ramsey said. Gov. Lowry proclaimed a state of emergency for 16 counties that suffered flooding from heavy rains, high winds and melting snow pack. Major rivers on both sides of the Cascade Mountains flooded homes, schools and businesses during the last week in November.

If the damages are beyond the capability of local and state government to handle, the governor may ask the President for either an emergency or major disaster declaration of assistance. Damages must reach an established level before the govenor can request federal assistance.

Once the governor decides that the situation warrants a special request for federal assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 10 sends the request to the President for consideration.

If the President declares a disaster, federal assistance becomes available to affected communities through the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

If the President denies federal assistance, individuals, businesses, local and state governments and Indian tribes would carry the cost of recovery. In that case, the governor may still request help from either the Small Business Administration or the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farmer's Home Administration.

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