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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release January 17, 1997

PRESIDENT CLINTON DECLARES MAJOR DISASTER IN WASHINGTON

President Clinton today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Washington and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by winter storms, land and mud slides, and flooding beginning December 26, 1996, and continuing.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals and local governments in King and Snohomish Counties.

Assistance can include disaster housing, grants, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding also is available to eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of public facilities damaged by the winter storms, land and mud slides, and flooding. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is continuing to conduct damage surveys, and additional counties may be added after the assessments are completed.

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