33 counties in state to get federal disaster funds

OLYMPIA — The Obama administration Monday declared 33 counties in Washington state as major disaster areas. The move authorizes federal money to help cover the costs of storm response and damage to public facilities caused by the severe weather that swept through the state between December and January.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will pay for up to three-fourths of eligible damage to state and local agencies in 33 counties, said Laura Lockard, deputy communications director for Gov. Chris Gregoire.

The record snowfall, blizzards, freezing rains, avalanches, mudslides and high winds from Dec. 12 to Jan. 5 resulted in $28 million in damage to homes and businesses, according to Gregoire's office.

Rob Harper, spokesman for state Emergency Management, said state and federal officials soon will meet with the counties that qualify for assistance to discuss how to file paperwork and deadlines for paperwork submissions. King, Snohomish and Pierce counties were among the counties that qualify.

The federal funds will pay for damage to public buildings, which includes some tribal and nonprofit facilities, Harper said. Submissions have to be for buildings that were not insured.

Gregoire's office said damage to private property is not covered by the declaration.

Jennifer Sullivan: 360-236-8267 or jensullivan@seattletimes.com