By
Seattle Times political reporter
President Donald Trump has granted Washington’s request for an emergency declaration in response to this week’s devastating flooding, according to Gov. Bob Ferguson.
Ferguson said he received a phone call from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem informing him of the president’s decision and that the state has also received written confirmation of the declaration.
“I expressed my thanks to Secretary Noem on behalf of the people of the state of Washington during this extremely challenging time,” Ferguson said in a news release.
The decision authorizes Federal Emergency Management Agency aid for the destructive flooding, which has spurred widespread evacuations.
The declaration was authorized for Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom and Yakima counties, as well as the Samish Indian Nation and other tribal nations in the affected areas, according to a copy of the order provided by the governor’s office.
Sen. Maria Cantwell praised the “fast emergency declaration” in a post on X.
“Thank you for helping respond to our infrastructure needs. Thank you for supporting our first responders,” Cantwell wrote.
Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, also celebrated the emergency declaration. On X, he posted photos from the White House Christmas party and thanked “the White House staff members who facilitated the discussion on the need for an emergency declaration for the flooding in Washington.”
The FEMA designation covers damage from storms, wind, flooding and landslides from Dec. 9 onward. It allows FEMA to provide equipment and federal assistance, covering 75% of the cost under its public assistance program.
Ferguson, Cantwell and other officials plan to hold a news conference on the flood response at 2 p.m. in Tukwila.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
Jim Brunner: jbrunner@seattletimes.com. Jim Brunner is a political reporter for The Seattle Times, where he covers how the state’s elected leaders are serving the public with an eye for watchdog and high-impact explanatory stories.