FEMA denies Washington state disaster relief from bomb cyclone, governor
says
[April 15, 2025]
By LISA BAUMANN
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied Washington state's
request for emergency relief funds to help repair an estimated $34
million in damage from a deadly bomb cyclone storm system in November,
according to Gov. Bob Ferguson.
Ferguson said in a news release on Monday that the state’s January
application for assistance was denied in a letter he received on Friday.
The state's application had met all of the criteria necessary to
qualify, he said.
“This is another troubling example of the federal government withholding
funding,” Ferguson, a Democrat, said. "Washington communities have been
waiting for months for the resources they need to fully recover from
last winter’s devastating storms, and this decision will cause further
delay. We will appeal.”
The November storm system battered the state with strong winds and rain
that caused widespread damage and power outages, and toppled trees that
killed at least two people. It was considered a “ bomb cyclone,” which
occurs when a cyclone intensifies rapidly. Bomb cyclones have been
associated with major weather events across the country including
hurricanes in recent years.
After Washington's storms, then-Gov. Jay Inslee issued a disaster
declaration in 11 counties — including where Seattle is located — and
filed the application for disaster relief with FEMA to repair damage to
public highways, public utilities and electrical power systems.
FEMA's letter denying the application didn't give an explanation and
said the assistance was “not warranted.” The state has 30 days to
appeal.
[to top of second column]
|
A crew cuts a tree that fell on a Taco Bell restaurant on Wednesday,
Nov. 20, 2024, in Issaquah, Wash., after a "bomb cyclone" storm
brought high winds to the area. (AP Photo/Manuel Valdes,File)
The denial comes as FEMA's future is in question. President Donald
Trump has questioned whether to disband it entirely and give money
directly to states to handle disasters. Trump has created a council
to study what to do with FEMA and whether to get rid of it.
Earlier this month FEMA said it was ending a key program that has
been used by communities across the country to pay for projects
designed to help them prepare for natural disasters like flooding
and fires.
Under the Biden administration, the agency was instrumental in
responding to a growing number of disasters linked to climate
change. The agency also tried to address historical inequalities in
how aid is dispersed after disasters.
FEMA helps respond to disasters when local leaders request a
presidential emergency declaration, a signal that the damage is
beyond the state’s ability to handle on its own. FEMA can reimburse
governments for recovery efforts such as debris removal, and it
gives stopgap financial assistance to individual residents.
Washington’s preliminary damage estimate of $34 million will likely
increase as the state works with counties to update their
information for an appeal, Ferguson said.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved |
