Monroe center to open for storm aid

Another disaster-recovery center will open today, this time in Monroe at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds.

The center will offer face-to-face assistance for people suffering damage from the January winter storm. The center opens at noon.

Residents of King, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston and Wahkiakum counties have been designated as eligible for federal individual assistance in a Jan. 30 presidential disaster declaration.

After today, the Monroe center hours will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, until further notice.

The center is at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds, 14405 179th Ave. S.E., Building 501.

Applicants can register for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance by calling, toll-free, 800-621-3362 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. seven days a week, or they can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Registration is available until March 31.

The new center will have information on FEMA and state disaster-assistance programs, Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans and flood insurance.

There's also a disaster-recovery center inside the Auburn SuperMall, 1101 SuperMall Way, Suite 1157, open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.