Federal Aid Sought For Three Counties

Fri., Dec. 20, 1996

From Staff And Wire Reports

Gov. Mike Lowry on Wednesday asked President Clinton to provide federal aid to help three Eastern Washington counties recover from last month’s ice storm.

Lowry requested disaster assistance for local governments, utility districts, Indian tribes and private non-profit groups in Spokane, Pend Oreille and Klickitat counties, the governor’s office said.

The request was based on damage assessments by the state Emergency Management office.

“I am requesting federal assistance so these counties can recover some of their costs and begin the long rebuilding process,” Lowry said.

Costs to agencies in the three counties that are eligible to receive federal assistance are estimated at $13 million, Lowry said.

Lowry’s request does not seek assistance for individuals and small businesses. That’s because uninsured losses by homeowners and businesses did not meet eligibility criteria for federal disaster programs, Lowry said.

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