Gregoire seeks federal disaster aid

OLYMPIA — Gov. Chris Gregoire has asked President Obama to declare a federal disaster in nine counties hit by flooding, mudslides and avalanches.

Damage surveys found 102 homes destroyed and 2,340 damaged by severe winter weather. Storms also damaged roads, water systems and farms.

As reports come in, more counties could be added to the list that includes Clark, King, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston and Wahkiakum counties.

The disaster request seeks federal assistance for families, unemployment benefits, Small Business Administration loans, farm loans and hazard mitigation.

Meanwhile, the Washington state Department of Revenue says property-tax relief is available to property owners who suffered damage in recent snows or floods.

The department says property owners can apply to county assessors to reduce their taxable value. That could lead to a partial reduction in, or refund of, taxes paid in 2009 and a reduction of future taxes until the property is restored.