Bush Declares Major Disaster For Washington State

President Declares Major Disaster for Washington

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 the state of Washington to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides beginning on December 1, 2007, and continuing.

FEMA Administrator David Paulison said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the state by President Bush. The President's action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program in Grays Harbor, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.

Paulison named Thomas P. Davies as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Davies said damage surveys have been scheduled and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are completed.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

ENDS

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