OLYMPIA, Wash – President Trump signed an emergency declaration Friday, clearing the way for FEMA to help with the catastrophic flooding in Washington.
Governor Bob Ferguson made the request this week, as rain and melting snow led to high river and creek levels and washouts throughout much of the state.
The declaration is for Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom and Yakima Counties. It also includes the Samish Indian Nation and all tribal nations in those jurisdictions.
It could be expanded to other areas if necessary.
“Secretary Noem informed me that the president signed our request for an emergency declaration,” Gov. Ferguson said in a news release Friday. “We have also received written confirmation of that emergency declaration. I expressed my thanks to Secretary Noem on behalf of the people of the State of Washington during this extremely challenging time.”
Gov. Ferguson has already activated the National Guard and first responders from around the state are helping with rescues and debris removal.
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