President Declares Major Disaster For Washington
Release Date: March 2, 2009
Release Number: HQ-09-023
» More Information on Washington Severe Winter Storm and Record and Near Record Snow
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for Washington to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm and record and near record snow during the period of December 12, 2008 to January 5, 2009.
Acting FEMA Administrator Nancy Ward said federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm and record and near record snow in Clallam, Clark, Columbia, Cowlitz, Garfield, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Klickitat, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Pacific, Pend Oreille, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Stevens, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, and Whatcom counties.
In addition, assistance for snow removal and emergency protective measures that were undertaken to save lives and protect public health, safety and property over a continuous 48-hour period in response to record and near record snow is available to the state and eligible local governments in Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Columbia, Cowlitz, Franklin, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, Whatcom, Whitman, and Yakima counties.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all tribes and counties within the state.
Willie G. Nunn has been named the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Nunn said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Mar-2009 08:42:14