Flooding victims in 8 counties can request federal help

Victims of January flooding across Western Washington can seek financial help from the federal government, after Friday's disaster declaration by President Obama.

The declaration for eight Washington counties means individuals and companies can apply for grants and low-interest loans to pay for home repairs, replace destroyed appliances, cover the cost of motel rooms and other expenses tied to the flooding.

"This is welcome relief for the many families and businesses that have been adversely affected by the winter storms," Gov. Chris Gregoire said in a prepared statement.

The declaration covers flooded areas in King, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston and Wahkiakum counties.

The governor had also sought federal assistance for Clark County, but it was found to not have enough damage to be eligible, said Rob Harper, spokesman for the states Emergency Management Division.

Starting today, residents and companies can apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. The phone number will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. For people who want to apply in person, the first disaster recovery center will open Sunday at Auburn Super Mall (inside the mall opposite Sam's Club). The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Additional centers are expected to open later. Deadline for applications is March 31.

The state still is seeking federal help to pay for damage from flooding and December snowstorms to public infrastructure such as roads.

The state also is asking the Small Business Administration to make low-interest loans available to businesses throughout the state who suffered losses in the snowstorms that paralyzed much of the region.

Warren Cornwall: 206-464-2311 or wcornwall@seattletimes.com