Washington Governor Bob Ferguson’s request for Hazard Mitigation Grant monies was denied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Thursday, April 23 though the federal agency did approve a major disaster declaration earlier in the month.
Back in February 17 Washington Governor Bob Ferguson submitted a $182.3 million request to the FEMA for Public Assistance funding to help repair state infrastructure damaged by the December floods. The preliminary damage assessment total of $182.3 million did not include damage to federal highways, nor some state highways, the Governor’s Office confirmed — e.g. damage to US 2 between Skykomish and Leavenworth.
Though FEMA approved the disaster declaration earlier this month, Governor Ferguson received a letter authored by Gregg Phillips, Associate Administrator for the Office of Response and Recovery, on Thursday, April 23, denying his request for FEMA assistance with Hazard Mitigation statewide. These dollars would have gone towards mitigation efforts such as raising houses, and other preventive measures for future flood-related disasters.
In that Phillips’ letter he wrote: “The impact to individuals and households and the infrastructure was significant in the areas designated for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance. However, it has been determined that the designation of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is not warranted.”
FEMA’s denial can still be appealed within 30 days of the letter.
In response, local Democratic Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-02) issued a statement on Friday, April 24, stating:
“This is an unacceptable decision for the families and businesses that I represent,” said Rep. Larsen. “The disaster declaration helps people recover from the last flood, but hazard mitigation helps people survive the next flood. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) should be helping Northwest Washington prepare for the inevitable next major flood, not just doing damage control. I just visited a hazard mitigation project in Ferndale and saw firsthand how elevating homes is going to save lives and prevent damage during the next flood. I will keep working to secure federal dollars that protect homes and businesses from future flood damage.”
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program has long been an essential and cost-effective component of Washington’s post-disaster risk reduction strategy, the Governor’s Office said.
Over the past 35 years, FEMA-supported flood mitigation projects in Washington alone account for 191 projects totaling approximately $389 million ($265 million federal share) across 24 counties—all but one of which are included in this disaster declaration request. These investments include cost effective projects such as flood-prone property acquisitions and elevations, levee setbacks, stormwater system improvements, culvert upgrades, roadway elevations, erosion control, and shoreline stabilization.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
