FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Dec. 18, 1996
Lowry requests federal disaster aid for
Spokane, Pend Oreille, Klickitat Counties
OLYMPIA - Based on damage assessments
by the state Emergency Management office, Gov. Mike Lowry today
asked President Clinton for federal assistance to help repair
public facilities in Eastern Washington and pay for cleanup efforts
stemming from last month's ice storm.
In a letter to the president, Lowry requested federal disaster
assistance for local governments, special districts such as utility
districts, Indian tribes, and private non-profit groups in Spokane,
Pend Oreille, and Klickitat counties.
"I am requesting federal assistance so these counties can
recover some of their costs and begin the long rebuilding process,"
Lowry said. "The toll of the storm was costly in both dollars
and in the tragic loss of life."
The Nov. 19 storm resulted in massive power outages, uninsured
damage and clean-up costs for public facilities such as buildings,
parks, roads and utilities. Cost to eligible agencies of the
damage and cleanup is estimated at $13 million in the three counties.
In his request, the governor did not seek disaster assistance
for individuals and small businesses because the Washington Military
Department had previously advised the governor that uninsured
losses by home owners and businesses did not meet eligibility
criteria of federal disaster programs. Voluntary agencies such
as the American Red Cross are working to meet the needs of the
most seriously effected individuals with uninsured losses.
For more information, please contact the Governor's Communications Office at (360) 753-6790.