Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 7, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact:  Rob Harper, Washington State Emergency Management Division, 1-800-688-8955

Gov. Locke’s Statement Regarding Federal Approval of Aid to Counties Affected by October Flooding

Gov. Gary Locke today issued the following statement regarding President Bush’s approval of the state’s federal disaster declaration request for Washington state counties hit hard by October flooding:

“I am extremely pleased for the time and attention given our flood relief request and the speed of the federal government’s response.

“The widespread flooding damage has affected thousands of people, leaving many without places to live and work. These residents are in dire need of financial assistance.

“We look forward to working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to get this assistance processed as soon as possible and into the hands of those who need it most.”

State and federal officials expect to open a disaster field office in the Everett area early next week. This office would direct disaster recovery efforts for flood-stricken areas.

Washington Emergency Management Division will continue to spearhead the collection of information about flood damages to public infrastructure. These reports are to be completed in about a week and may result in additional federal assistance for public infrastructure damage.

In the letter sent to Bush on Oct. 28, Locke requested federal assistance for Chelan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Okanogan, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston and Whatcom counties.

The disaster request initially sought two forms of federal disaster assistance – Individuals and Households Program (IHP), which is for families and individuals; and Hazard Mitigation Program, which uses a percentage of disaster assistance funds to promote mitigation projects in local jurisdictions. In addition, the governor asked for U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans and U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency loans to assist farmers, ranchers and related businesses.

# # #

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive