Gov. Bob Ferguson says the state will appeal the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) denial of Washington’s application for disaster relief for the November 2024 “bomb cyclone” windstorms, which caused an estimated $34 million in damage across the state.
“There are very clear criteria to qualify for these emergency relief funds. Washington’s application met all of them. This is another troubling example of the federal government withholding funding. Washington communities have been waiting for months for the resources they need to fully recover from last winter’s devastating storms, and this decision will cause further delay. We will appeal,” said Ferguson on April 14.
The November windstorms were “comparable to a hurricane” and led to former Gov. Jay Inslee declaring disasters in Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Island, King, Pacific, Snohomish, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla and Whatcom counties.
Puget Sound Energy reported that at least 650,000 customers were without power for multiple days and, along with causing millions of dollars worth of damage, the high winds led to two deaths: One in Lynnwood when a large tree struck a homeless encampment and killed a woman, and one in Bellevue when a tree fell into a home, killing a woman while she was in the shower.
According to Ferguson’s statement, FEMA funds would pay to repair damage to public highways, public utilities and electrical power systems.
“FEMA’s public assistance programs reimburse at least 75% of eligible costs related to a declared disaster. Washington’s preliminary damage estimate is $34 million. This number will likely increase as the state works with counties to update their information for an appeal,” said the statement.
FEMA rejected the state’s application on April 11, saying that supplemental federal assistance under the Stafford Act is “not warranted” for the state’s requested declaration for public assistance for six counties and hazard mitigation for the state.
“FEMA’s Region X Regional Administrator will communicate any additional resources that may be available through other Federal Agencies and/or volunteer organizations to address unmet needs for survivor assistance. In addition, FEMA will coordinate with the State of Washington to identify additional damage information to support an appeal if necessary,” said the letter.
King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn of Disrict 9 also released a statement following the April 11 letter from FEMA.
“Helping citizens recover from a natural disaster like last fall’s bomb cyclone is the reason FEMA exists as an agency. Given the overwhelming bipartisan support for this necessary disaster relief — support that we all worked hard to secure — it is extremely disappointing to see this application denied. I am confident that the criteria to qualify for federal funds were met, and I support the decision to appeal,” said Dunn.
The state is able to appeal the letter by Monday, May 11.
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Many cars, garages, homes, and other property were heavily damaged by the Nov. 2024 bomb cyclone. Sound Publishing file photo
