Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 27, 1997
Contact:  Robert Harper, Washington Emergency Management Division, (360) 413-5301

Federal disaster assistance requested for 12 additional counties

OLYMPIA-Gov. Gary Locke said today federal disaster aid has been requested for individuals and businesses in 12 additional counties because of damages suffered in the snow, ice, slides and flooding that hit the state in late December and early January.

"We know uninsured winter storm damage to public facilities and personal property will exceed $100 million," Locke said. "I fully expect there will be more requests for federal aid as more counties complete damage surveys. This aid will be essential to help Washington businesses and residents recover from the severe winter weather of the past four weeks."

The state's latest request includes Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Kitsap, Kittitas, Mason, Pierce, Skamania, Spokane, Thurston, Skagit and Yakima counties. The request asks Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance for individuals as well as aid from the U.S. Small Business Administration for affected homeowners and business owners. Surveys in the 12 counties reported 52 homes destroyed with major damage sustained by another 69 homes and 77 businesses.

Snohomish and King counties were declared federal disaster areas Jan. 17 by President Clinton.

"The Federal Emergency Management Agency will act on the latest request based on a review of the costs and damages reported by each of the 12 counties," said Diane Offord, state coordinating officer for the winter storms disaster. "We expect a decision on additional federal disaster aid to be made very promptly."


"State and local jurisdictions across the state are continuing to asses damages to public facilities," said Offord. These surveys will be used to prepare additional recommendations for federal disaster assistance in the state.

In addition, Offord said individuals with substantial uninsured damage to homes and businesses should continue to report their losses to emergency managers in local jurisdictions which have not yet been declared federal disaster areas. "These damage reports can help the state and local officials substantiate any federal disaster aid requests," said Offord.

A total of 37 counties have been included in the governor's winter storms emergency proclamation.

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