Trump Signs Emergency Declaration Paving Way for FEMA Aid for Flooding

Snohomish river flooding in Snohomish, WA.

An estimated 100,000 residents in Skagit and Snohomish counties were given “Go NOW” orders to evacuate during the flooding. The peak water levels were expected this afternoon, with levels starting to decline at 4pm today.

Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson announced today that President Trump had ordered emergency FEMA aid for the state:

I just received a phone call from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Secretary Noem informed me that the president signed our request for an emergency declaration. 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.

Representative Rick Larsen added:

Glad to hear that Gov. Ferguson’s request for an expedited emergency declaration has been granted. I spoke on the phone with FEMA’s Acting Administrator yesterday. So far FEMA has done a good job providing support to communities impacted by flooding.

I will continue to advocate for FEMA to deploy case managers on the ground in Skagit, Whatcom, and Snohomish ASAP to help people get their lives back on track.

Under FEMA’s public assistance programs, at least 75% of eligible disaster-related costs may be reimbursed.

The Washington National Guard activated 400 members to assist flooded communities this week.  John Harrison was named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area.

Here’s the declaration: