Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Baird released the following statement on President Bush’s disaster declaration for the state of Washington.  With the declaration, individuals, families, and businesses can now apply for federal assistance to help them recover from damage, floods, mudslides and landslides from November storms that affected much of western Washington.

“Families, businesses and communities throughout western Washington experienced record rainfall and extensive damage from the November storms,” said Congressman Baird.  “The presidential declaration now makes much needed federal dollars available so these communities can make the necessary repairs to their infrastructure.  I will continue working with the Governor’s office and FEMA to ensure that they’re doing everything they can to help those affected by the storms.”

In November, Congressman Baird traveled to Lewis County to assess flood damage and met with evacuated residents.  He has been working closely with state and federal officials to ensure that federal dollars become available to the state.

Designated counties in the Third Congressional District of Washington include:  Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania, Thurston, and Wahkiakum.

For more information on how to apply for assistance, please visit http://www.fema.gov/assistance or call (800) 621-FEMA, (800) 621-3362.  The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also announced they will make low-interest disaster loans available to Washington residents and businesses.  Additional details on the location of assistance centers and the loan application process deadlines can be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955. 

FEMA has announced they will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to provide residents with face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage an/or losses during the storms.  The centers are staffed by state, federa, and voluntary agencies, and while no direct financial assistance can be given, residents can receive information on assistance and various programs. 

A DRC will open Thursday, December 21 at 12:00 p.m. at Packwood Elementary School, 12990 US Highway 12, Packwood.  It will be open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; except it will be closed on Sunday, December 24 and Monday, December 25; and, closed on Sunday, December 31 and Monday, January 1, 2007. 

For more information call, (800) 621-3362.   The number to call for hearing impaired is TTY (800) 462-7585.

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