Whatcom County Request for Federal Disaster Declaration Submitted

The State of Washington Emergency Management Division has submitted a request to add Whatcom County to the Federal Disaster Declaration for the State of Washington issued by the president last month. The federal declaration will make federal funding available to Whatcom County residents, businesses, and governments affected by January's flood and landslides. The State Mitigation and Recovery Section Manager said a request for individual assistance was submitted Tuesday, February 3rd and a request for public assistance was submitted Wednesday, February 4th.

The requests for aid go directly to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Coordinator (FEMA) and a disaster declaration should be coming within a week to 9 days.

Once the federal declaration is made for Whatcom County, FEMA will set up a local Disaster Recovery Center where applicants can register for federal assistance.  Assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs, business losses, and other serious disaster related expenses.
Low interest loans from the U.S Small Business Administration will also be available.

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