WASHINGTON D.C. — Grant and Adams counties will soon be seeing funds to aid in relief from the severe winter storms that ripped through the region this winter, as President Donald Trump has approved federal disaster assistance for 13 counties across Washington.

The Trump administration's decision made federal funding available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and select non-profit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repairing/replacement of facilities that were damaged by winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides.

Gov. Jay Inslee previously requested a major disaster declaration for 13 counties that were damaged by the winter storms that left a wake of destruction across the state Jan. 30 through Feb. 22. Initial estimates put costs for repairs across the state at more than $27 million. Counties that are eligible to receive federal funds include Adams, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Grant, Lewis, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Skamania, Spokane, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla and Whatcom counties.

“I thank the president for approving Washington’s request,” Inslee said. “The counties hit by these storms will benefit greatly from the federal government’s help to pay for cleanup and to repair damages.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) public assistance program grants 75 percent of the eligible costs associated with response and protective measures, debris removal and repairs to damaged infrastructure.

“Much of the damage identified in a joint state-FEMA preliminary damage assessment in late March was to roads. A freeze-thaw cycle caused significant damage to foundations, pavement and drainage systems to more than 750 local and state roadways,” reads a release from Inslee’s office. “In addition, storms closed all three Cascade Mountain passes – Interstate 90 Snoqualmie Pass, US 2 Stevens Pass and US 12 White Pass – for multiple days, disrupting cross-state commercial trucking.”

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