Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 23, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke praises funding for flood damage in Ferry, Stevens counties

OLYMPIA — Gov. Gary Locke today announced Ferry and Stevens counties will get nearly $1 million in state and federal grants in March to finish long-term disaster recovery projects from spring flooding in 1998.

"These projects will not only establish long-term flood protection for roads and public facilities in the counties, but will provide economic benefits to all of northeastern Washington," Locke said. "The road drainage projects will help ensure continuous flow of traffic during storm events, and the fairgrounds project will result in a better, disaster-resistant public center for the citizens of Ferry County."

Funds will come from federal grants totaling $836,000, which will be matched by state funds of $140,000 and a similar amount in local resources.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the grants to help the state and local governments implement long-term mitigation measures after a federal disaster was declared in October 1998.

Projects to be funded include:

- Restoration of the Ferry County Fairgrounds;
- Road improvement culvert upgrades in Ferry County;
- A street drainage project in Republic;
- Flood mitigation property acquisitions in Ferry County;
- Road slope stabilization in Stevens County.

For additional information about the program, contact Marty Best, Washington State Emergency Management Division, at (253) 512-7073.

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