Federal disaster aid to flow to county
Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, December 12, 2006
President Bush on Tuesday declared a federal disaster in Washington state, including Snohomish County, opening the door for federal money to flow where Election Day floodwaters damaged homes and businesses.
“We’ve really been keeping our fingers crossed,” said Chris Badger, deputy director of Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management.
“It’s been a tough month for a lot of people,” she said. “Hopefully, many of them will be able to start the process of rebuilding or cleaning up their homes or getting back into their homes.”
The Nov. 7 floods sent torrents of water down the Snohomish, Stillaguamish and Skykomish river valleys, overtopping levees and sending floodwaters into neighborhoods.
Snohomish County reported an estimated $8.8 million in damage to homes and $4.2 million to businesses. Adding in roads, utilities and other costs, the county estimated $28.9 million in damage at last count.
The president’s declaration is “a crucial step to recovery,” Badger said. “Many people don’t have that cash lying around. This will give them the assistance they need to start rebuilding and repairing.”
The declaration covers damage that occurred from severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides Nov. 2-11.
The federal assistance will be coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The aid can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.
Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully paid by insurance.
People and business owners with flood damage must register online or by phone with FEMA.
Gov. Chris Gregoire asked on Nov. 22 for the president to declare a federal disaster in 11 counties.
“I know many people lost their homes and belongings in the record rains and flooding of last month, and this is a tough time to be focused on repairing your home and getting back to a daily routine,” Gregoire said in a statement.
The president’s declaration creates a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for eligible agencies in all counties of the state.
Federal officials said they are still evaluating a Dec. 11 request for aid from Gregoire to cover $37 million in damage to public buildings, roads and other facilities.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Reporter Jeff Switzer: 425-339-3452 or jswitzer@heraldnet.com.
