05/19/2006: "Bush approves federal storm aid for San Juan County"

SJC Press Release: President Bush has approved Washington Governor Christine Gregoire's request for federal assistance following a winter storm in February of this year. This decision makes available federal funds to assist public agencies with the cost of rebuilding infrastructure damaged during the storm.

"Here in San Juan County, the two affected agencies were the County Public Works Department and Washington State Parks," according to Department of Emergency Management Director Brendan Cowan. "A handful of shoreline roads were impacted by coastal flooding, State Parks had significant damage to their properties on the outer islands, and sections of the seawall in Westsound on Orcas Island were knocked loose," explained Cowan.

The federal assistance will help with up to 75% of the cost of rebuilding. There may also be some funds available to help agencies mitigate against similar damage happening in the future.

There is no federal support for private property owners who sustained damage from this storm. "That's fairly typical following a disaster," said Cowan. "There's a misconception out there that the federal government steps in to help out individuals after disasters, but the reality is that even following catastrophic events, help from the federal government for private citizens is minimal at best. A reliable insurance policy is the only real protection there is."

In addition to San Juan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Pacific, Pend Oreille, Snohomish, and Wahkiakum counties were included in the declaration as well.