Obama signs disaster declaration for November storms

SEATTLE – President Barack Obama has signed a disaster declaration for damage done by storms throughout the state in November, making federal assistance available in 16 Washington counties.

Obama signed the declaration Friday, ordering federal aid to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by straight-line winds, flooding and landslides.

Federal money is available on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and repair or replacement of facilities damaged in counties including: Chelan, Clallam, Garfield, Island, Jefferson, Kittitas, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Pend Oreille, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Stevens, Wahkiakum, and Whitman.

Gov. Jay Inslee had asked for assistance in 31 counties.

Federal funding will also be available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.