OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson has formally requested a federal major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump following the severe storms that hit Washington in December.
The request includes $21.3 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds for affected counties and Tribal nations.
Between December 5 and 22, a series of storms caused widespread flooding, landslides, and power outages across the state.
Over 100,000 residents were evacuated, and nearly 4,000 homes were damaged. The storms also resulted in one fatality and 383 emergency rescues.
“Thousands of families experienced devastating loss. Federal assistance is essential to help Washingtonians recover from these historic floods,” Gov. Ferguson said in a press release.
The federal government had previously granted an emergency declaration, allowing federal resources to assist during the crisis. Ferguson has already allocated $3.5 million in state emergency funds for immediate needs and nearly $1 million in direct aid through the Disaster Cash Assistance Program.
If FEMA approves the request, individuals can apply for Individual Assistance to help repair homes or find stable housing.
The request covers Chelan, Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom counties, along with 15 federally recognized Tribal nations.
The state is also working on a separate request for FEMA Public Assistance to repair damaged infrastructure. The deadline for this application is February 18.
