Washington to Receive $23 Million from USDOT to Repair

For Immediate Release: February 23, 2007

Funds will help to repair damages from November flooding

OLYMPIA - Governor Chris Gregoire today was informed by US Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Maria Cino that Washington will receive $23 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help repair roads, bridges and tunnels damaged by the heavy rainfall and flooding last November. $11 million will go to the state and $12 million to federal land management.

�Washington roads and other transportation structures were extensively damaged as a result of flooding last year. This federal support is critical to repairing our roads and returning life to normal for our state's residents and businesses hurt by the damages,� said Governor Gregoire.

Governor Gregoire on November 6 declared a state of emergency in 18 Washington counties. As the rain continued to fall and the flooding spread to other parts of the state, Governor Gregoire on November 9 expanded the emergency proclamation to six additional counties. On November 21, Governor Gregoire sent a letter to President Bush, requesting that he declare a federal disaster in 11 Washington counties.

Senators Murray and Cantwell sent a joint letter to the FEMA Director, urging him to quickly approve the request. President Bush notified Governor Gregoire on December 12 that the request had been approved.

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