Grant, Adams counties included in governor's emergency proclamation

OLYMPIA — Grant and Adams counties may soon be seeing funds come through to help with recovery from this winter’s storms, as both counties have been included in Gov. Jay Inslee’s state of emergency proclamation.

Also included in Inslee’s proclamation are the following counties: Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Clark, Columbia, Cowlitz, Franklin, Garfield, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Klickitat, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Pend Oreille, Pierce, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Stevens, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, Whatcom and Whitman counties.

The announcement comes in the wake of several winter storms that ripped through the state from Jan. 30 through Feb. 22, which produced high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation and rainfall. As a result, several counties experienced power outages, damage to roads and public utilities, delays and cancellations for ferry and airport goers, and damage to homes and businesses. Estimates put the damage to roads statewide at over $10 million.

“The colder, wetter and stormier weather this winter has heavily impacted many communities throughout the state,” Inslee said.

In Grant and Adams counties the damage has been significant, especially when it comes to area roads and bridges. Several sinkholes and washed-out roads and bridges have resulted in detours for area drivers and presented significant safety concerns.

According to the governor’s office, Inslee’s declaration will aid the Washington Department of Transportation (DOT) in making repairs to affected state roads, as well as assisting the DOT with regard to requesting federal financial assistance for road repair.

“The impacts have been significant, from snow removal and damage to public facilities to transportation interruptions and the opening of shelters to assist those whose power was out or their homes damaged,” Inslee stated. “Staff from appropriate state agencies are working with local officials to quantify the impacts and damages so we can determine whether to request federal assistance.”

Typically, states are given 30 days after a major incident has ended to complete damage assistance and request assistance with disaster relief. Inslee, however, has asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a 30-day extension up to April 23 in order to complete the important assessments.

State Emergency Operations Center staff at the Washington Military Department’s Camp Murray are monitoring relief efforts around the state and are coordinating resources in response.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.