OLYMPIA, Wash. — Governor Bob Ferguson announced that the state is submitting its FEMA disaster request to aid communities affected by December’s historic flooding.
The application seeks to have FEMA declare a major disaster and approve Washington for the Public Assistance Program.
The federal program could potentially reimburse up to 75 percent of repairs needed for roads, bridges and public buildings. Moreover, the state is applying for hazard mitigation grants to fund projects like flood walls to prevent future damage.
Ferguson emphasized the effectiveness of existing flood walls during the flooding.
“A flood wall was recently constructed in Mount Vernon just in the last decade. It’s clear that flood walls saved downtown from being flooded and saved an awful lot of pain and suffering cost to many Washingtonians,” said Ferguson.
Ferguson also noted that the damage total is expected to rise as crews continue to assess areas still covered by snow.
