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News / Northwest

Snohomish County reports $23M in damage from 2024 WA bomb cyclone

By Alex Halverson, The Seattle Times
Published: January 14, 2025, 11:24am

SEATTLE — Less than two months after a powerful storm ripped through the Puget Sound region, Snohomish County officials have tallied up more than $23 million in damage, including $18 million to its public infrastructure.

In addition to the havoc wreaked on roads and power lines, the storm caused an estimated $5.5 million in damage to private property, according to a Monday news release from the county. More than 225 Snohomish County residents and business owners reported the damage via an online survey.

Most residents aren’t eligible for financial support from the state or federal governments because they either had property insurance or suffered the damage on a property that wasn’t their primary home. However, they may be able to get assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration through low-interest loans, the county said.

The SBA plans to open a disaster loan outreach center at the Evergreen State Fair Park in Monroe through Jan. 31. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday.

Homeowners may be eligible for disaster loans of up to $500,000 to repair or replace their real estate. They might also be able to get loans of up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property such as vehicles.

Business owners may be able to receive loans of up to $2 million for both physical and economic losses.

Those taking out the loan won’t have to start paying it back until 12 months after receiving the initial payment, the county said.

The deadline to apply for a property damage loan is Feb. 21, while Sept. 23 is the deadline to apply for a business loan.

Meanwhile, Gov. Jay Inslee is requesting a federal major disaster declaration in the wake of the storm. If approved, it would trigger the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program, which could help cover some of the costs of repairing public buildings and infrastructure.

“We still have a long road to recovery,” Inslee said in a Tuesday news release. “It will take time and substantial resources to get back on our feet. I urge the federal government to approve our request promptly, ensuring that necessary programs are made available so our communities can recover quickly and fully.”

According to Inslee’s office, the declaration would benefit six counties: Grays Harbor, King, Pacific, Snohomish, Wahkiakum and Walla Walla.

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