Washington Gets Federal Aid

PHOENIX - The federal government has approved financial assistance to Washington localities damaged by a storm system in December.

Gov. Jay Inslee announced the aid Tuesday, having requested it late last month. The winter storms that hit Washington resulted in costs exceeding $19 million to help remove debris and repair roads and other public infrastructure, Inslee's office said. The declaration makes available the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance program for 10 counties. The program provides federal funds to pay for up to 75% of the costs of eligible debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities and public infrastructure for eligible local, state and tribal governments, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations.

"Once again, I thank the Obama Administration for its quick response and support for a second disaster declaration in a month due to the damaging effects of another winter storm," Inslee said. "This storm caused damages in excess of $19 million. As I said before, our budgets are stretched very thin. This assistance will help our communities make repairs and resume important services that Washingtonians rely on."

The counties that are eligible for the assistance include: Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Skamania and Wahkiakum. The disaster declaration also provides grants for hazard mitigation efforts statewide.

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