News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 1, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke proclaims emergency for eleven Washington counties

OLYMPIA — Gov. Gary Locke today proclaimed a state of emergency for eleven Washington counties severely affected by recent winter storms.

The governor's proclamation covers road damages in Cowlitz, King, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Wahkiakum, Whatcom and Whitman counties. Winter storms over the last two months caused flooding, snow melt, winds and slides, resulting in road shoulder washouts, soil and debris erosion and loss of bridge embankments in the counties listed.

Locke said the proclamation is the first step in the process to receive emergency relief funds from the Federal Highway Administration for water damage.

The Washington State Military Department is coordinating resources to help local officials cope with damages to people, property and infrastructure. Damages to date are estimated at nearly $1.7 million. The Washington Department of Transportation will coordinate all event-related help to the affected areas.

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