Welcome to Skagit County

February 11th, 2009

WASHINGTON COUNTIES RECEIVE INFRASTRUCTURE ASSISTANCE

OLYMPIA— The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Washington Emergency Management Division (WEMD) have announced that 22 Washington counties are now eligible to receive Public Assistance to help state and local governments recover from damages after the severe winter storm, landslides, mudslides, and flooding from Jan. 6 to Jan. 16.

Fourteen of the counties have already been designated to receive individual assistance: Cowlitz, Clallam, Grays Harbor, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum and Whatcom. In addition, the following counties have been added for public assistance only: Chelan, Columbia, Garfield, Jefferson, Klickitat, Lincoln, Skamania and Yakima. Benton County has been designated to receive individual assistance only.

"These storms caused heavy damage to essential community infrastructure," said State Coordinating Officer Kurt Hardin. "I am pleased that these communities will get the assistance needed to help repair their property and restore their lives."

Public Assistance reimburses state and local governments, as well as certain private non-profit organizations, for 75 percent of eligible disaster-related costs, such as repair or replacement of property, debris removal and emergency protective measures.

"We will work closely with these eligible government units to reimburse them for these unexpected expenses," said Federal Coordinating Officer Willie Nunn. "A series of Applicant Briefings for local officials will be held to explain the program, including the types of eligible costs and how to document them."

Media Contacts:
FEMA – News Desk (360) 534-2635
WA-EMD – Rob Harper (360) 534-2798
SBA – Gary Colton (571) 926-3615