Washington is requesting a federal major disaster declaration following December flooding that officials say caused the largest public infrastructure losses in more than four decades. Gov. Bob Ferguson announced a preliminary damage estimate of $182.3 million for roads, bridges, debris removal, and related repairs. The request seeks access to FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, which can reimburse up to 75% of eligible costs, with state and local governments responsible for the remaining share.
A separate appeal submitted earlier seeks $21.3 million in support for affected families. The state is also applying for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which could provide up to 20% of the total damage estimate, or more than $36 million, for projects that reduce future disaster risk.
Some transportation impacts, including certain highways, are being addressed through a separate federal process and are not included in the current estimate. Officials note the damage total may rise as assessments continue.
Attorney General Nick Brown also joined a multistate effort urging a federal court to require FEMA to reinstate a disaster mitigation program that has funded projects nationwide. State leaders and business groups have voiced bipartisan support for securing federal assistance.
