The federal government is granting Washington state’s request for emergency assistance following days of torrential rain that have led to historic flooding in the western part of the state.
On Friday, Gov. Bob Ferguson confirmed that President Donald Trump approved the state’s request for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Ferguson submitted a disaster declaration request on Wednesday as flood-prone communities evacuated residents and issued emergency alerts.
“We deeply deeply appreciate the support of this federal government at a time of real need here in Washington state,” Ferguson said in Tukwila on Friday.
The approved declaration does not guarantee any financial resources, according to Ferguson. He said he will follow up with FEMA on the details.
Ferguson said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called him to confirm the FEMA request had been approved and discussed the state’s conditions amid ongoing flooding. According to Ferguson, Noem said short-term federal resources could be available.
