State Seeks Federal Disaster Aid for Public Facilities Damaged in January 2009 Flooding

Camp Murray, Wash. – Washington state has requested federal disaster aid for January 2009 flooding damage to public infrastructure in 22 counties.The request was submitted as an addition to the Jan. 30 Presidential Disaster Declaration for flooding, mudslides, and landslides, avalanches and storms between Jan. 6-16. The request seeks federal assistance for public facility damages in Chelan, Clallam, Columbia, Cowlitz, Garfield, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Klickitat,
Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston,Wahkiakum, Whatcom and Yakima counties

“Surveys found widespread damage to public facilities as a result of the January disaster,” said Kurt Hardin, state coordinating officer for the January 2009 flood
disaster. “Roads and public water distribution systems were hit hard, and local and state agencies sustained major costs for emergency response actions and debris removal. Washington will need federal disaster assistance to fully repair the large number of public facilities damaged in the floods.”

Whatcom County Public Works has identified several million dollars of restoration work as a result of the recent flood event.  Actions have been underway over the last several weeks to make certain damaged areas are safe for the traveling public and that they remain safe.  Most of the work plans for 2009 will be altered to make or coordinate repairs as a result of this event and any outside funding from FEMA or other sources will be greatly appreciated in this effort.  The Department continues to provide a high level of service to the citizens of the County.

The state’s request was based upon damage surveys conducted last month by teams of local, state and federal officials. They found an estimated $49 million in eligible damages to public facilities in the 22 counties. The state needed a total of at least $7.7 million in estimated public facility damage to receive consideration for a federal disaster declaration.


If the public facilities disaster request is approved, federal grants could fund 75 per cent of the eligible repair costs. Types of public facility damage and costs that could be eligible for a federal disaster aid include debris removal; emergency protective measures; and damages to non-federal road systems and bridges; water control facilities; public buildings and equipment; public utilities; and parks and recreational facilities.

MEDIA CONTACT

Frank Abart
Director Whatcom County Public Works
(360) 676-6692
fabart@co.whatcom.wa.us

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