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Washington governor activates $3.5 million in immediate aid, seeks major disaster declaration
Summary
Governor Bob Ferguson amended the state emergency declaration for 14 counties, said $3.5 million is available immediately for short-term individual assistance, and said Washington will press the federal government for a major disaster declaration to unlock broader monetary aid.
Governor Bob Ferguson said the state has amended its emergency declaration to reflect county-specific impacts in 14 counties and has identified $3,500,000 the governor can move immediately "without legislative action" to provide short-term assistance to people impacted by the storms.
"This morning, I signed an amendment to my emergency declaration," Ferguson said, adding the funds are intended to provide a bridge to federal relief for items such as hotels, groceries and diapers. He said the amendment activates several state cash and benefits programs and that officials are working with legislative leaders to pursue additional resources in early-session legislation.
Ferguson described the storm as "historic," warned residents to obey evacuation orders and said the state has already recorded more than 1,200 rescues and evacuations across more than 10 counties. "If you get an evacuation order, leave," he said.
The governor said the state is preparing a "compelling case" for a major disaster declaration that would unlock individual assistance as well as wider public-assistance funds for governments and certain nonprofits. He distinguished an earlier federal emergency declaration — which brought direct resources such as personnel and equipment — from a major disaster declaration, which "unlocks significant financial resources for individuals, and for local governments and the state."
Ferguson listed state agency actions mobilized under the amended declaration, including expedited USDA food deliveries, pharmacy assistance for Apple Health clients, services from DSHS for people who are deaf, blind or hard of hearing, and teams from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner to advise homeowners and businesses.
The governor said officials expect additional widespread flooding and high winds over the next 24–36 hours and that full damage estimates will require waters to recede before safe assessments can be made. He urged patience while the preliminary damage assessment with FEMA proceeds and said federal partners are assisting with those assessments.
The state will publish details about how the immediate $3.5 million and activated programs can be accessed once internal processes are finalized, Ferguson said.
