SPOKANE, Wash.- The Biden Administration announced a disaster declaration on Feb. 20 which will open up federal funding for wildfire recovery efforts in the Evergreen State.
The move comes after Governor Jay Inslee requested federal assistance from President Biden for wildfire relief in October of 2023.
Wildfires from Aug. 18 – 25 killed two people and destroyed over three hundred homes according to the Office of the Governor.
The funding will be accessible to individuals who had property damaged by the fire, but will also be available to local, tribal and state agencies.
While some private and state relief funding has made its way to Spokane County, the disaster declaration allows for direct federal assistance for a variety of repairs.
“Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster,” the White House said.
Candidates for funding can apply for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
