Wash. Governor Seeks Disaster Aid for 7 Counties

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire has asked President Obama to declare a federal disaster area in seven Washington counties due to damage from a severe December storm.

Preliminary state and federal damage assessments found an estimated $10.3 million in eligible damage across the state caused by flooding, power outages, mudslides and landslides.

Her request seeks federal disaster aid for public facility damage in Clallam, Cowlitz, Kitsap, Mason, Skagit, Skamania and Snohomish counties.

If the declaration is approved, the resulting Federal Emergency Management Agency grants would defray 75 percent of the eligible damages and costs.