Governor Ferguson amends emergency proclamation, directs $3.5M in support to flood-impacted Washingtonians
Amendment activates state assistance programs to more quickly provide emergency support across 14 impacted counties
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SEATTLE – Today, Governor Bob Ferguson amended his emergency proclamation to swiftly provide emergency support in response to historic flooding across Washington.
Ferguson announced the amendment at a press conference today alongside King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello, Adjutant General Gent Welsh, Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith, Director of Emergency Management Robert Ezelle, Erin McCann with the Red Cross, the FEMA Region 10 administrator, legislators, and other community leaders and emergency managers.
The amendment adds details about specific impacts across 14 counties, activating state cash and benefits assistance programs to provide emergency support to Washingtonians faster. Ferguson also announced that he is directing $3.5 million in emergency funds to assist Washingtonians with relief and recovery. More details on the distribution of those funds will be available as soon as possible in the coming days.
Additionally, the Emergency Management Division is setting up Disaster Case Management, which will provide long-term assistance to Washingtonians to help them navigate available resources. Moreover, Washington state is actively working with FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, on applying for a Major Disaster Declaration. This declaration will unlock additional federal resources for individuals, governments and nonprofits.
“Our state is in the middle of a historic crisis, and it remains unpredictable,” Ferguson said. “We are not in the clear yet and Washingtonians must remain vigilant to stay safe. We are working around the clock to respond to this disaster. We will provide impacted communities the assistance they need as fast as possible.”
Ferguson urged Washingtonians to continue to pay attention to local evacuation orders and road closures.
There have been more than 1,200 rescues and evacuations across more than 10 counties in Washington state since the flooding began. As of Tuesday morning, thousands of Washingtonians were under evacuation orders, with more expected over the next 48 hours.
With the help of the National Guard, the Washington State Department of Transportation has reopened more than 60 roads since the storm systems began last week. As of Tuesday morning, there were closures on 13 state highways and seven road restrictions.
Several state highways have been severely damaged. A lengthy stretch of State Route 2 remains closed due to extensive damage. Additionally, Highway 12 is washed out northwest of Yakima. Repairs are underway.
Approximately 250 National Guard soldiers are still deployed to assist with the emergency response, including helping Washingtonians safely evacuate affected areas.
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