SEATTLE — President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster exists in the state of Washington following this summer’s wildfires and mudslides.
The disaster declaration makes federal money available to state and local governments as well as Native American tribes to repair or replace facilities damaged by wildfires and mudslides in August and September.
The declaration affects the counties of Chelan, Ferry, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Whatcom and Yakima and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
Federal dollars are also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation work across the state.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency says more disaster designations may be made later if warranted by ongoing damage assessment work.
