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January 30, 2009 in Region
Obama declares storm disaster for Wash. state
OLYMPIA — President Barack Obama declared a federal disaster Friday for the flooding, mudslides and avalanches in Washington state earlier this month.
Damage surveys done by the state found more than 100 homes destroyed and more than 2,000 damaged by severe winter weather from Jan. 6-9. Storms also damaged roads, water systems and farms.
Individuals in eight counties — King, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston, and Wahkiakum — are eligible for individual assistance under the move.
“I applaud President Obama for expediting these requests, which helps Washingtonians in the affected counties begin the recovery and rebuilding process,” Gov. Chris Gregoire said in a statement.
She noted that while a ninth county, Clark, requested such help but did not initially qualify, FEMA representatives indicated it can resubmit its request.
Washington lawmakers said they were encouraged that the Obama administration acted promptly after Gregoire and the state’s congressional delegation submitted the disaster request.
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Children permitted at Washington prison powwows 
misjustice on January 30 at 10:14 p.m.
What happened to the east side getting a “state of emergency” with all the snow we had? Federal money would help us pay to have our roads plowed.
Speaking of plowed roads… why isn’t the road crews out clearing the final lanes? Drive up or down Division or East on Indiana and you run out of lane because of the snow & ice. But, if you go downtown? Well, you would think it never snowed there. No snow by the curbs, no snow on the sidewalks, no snow anywhere. Garland district still have snow plowed so high against the curbs you have a hard time getting out of your car if you are a passenger.
Shame on this city!!!!!!!!!