WA Congressional members ask Biden for disaster declaration for Colville tribes
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 5 months AGO
The Swawilla I Fire was the largest Washington Fire this season at almost 53,500 acres. A group of elected representees are asking for a Major Disaster Declaration for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
INCIWEB
COLVILLE – In a unified effort, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, D-WA, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-WA, U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-WA, and U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse, R-WA, have sent a bipartisan letter to President Joe Biden, advocating for a Major Disaster Declaration for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation following extensive wildfire damage this summer.
The Swawilla I Fire was the biggest fire Washington State saw this season at almost 53,500 acres according to InciWeb. The fire was located on the Colville Reservation about nine miles south of the town of Keller. The fire started July 17 and until its containment Aug. 18, there were level one, two and three evacuations in effect. The fire is now 98% contained with minor hot spots, according to InciWeb.
“An initial damage assessment by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation revealed extensive damage to critical infrastructure and cultural resources, causing significant disruptions to the Tribe’s daily life,” The Members wrote in the letter. “Over 57,000 acres of land were burned, including rangeland and agricultural areas vital for traditional foods and traditional medicinal plants, posing long-term threats to Tribal food security, health, and cultural practices. Additionally, 61 culturally significant tribal sites were burned, causing profound mental and emotional stress to the Tribe.”
The other fire that impacted the reservation was the Bridge Creek Fire that started July 19 and was contained Aug. 18. The fire burned around 4,000 acres of land 11 miles outside of the town of Keller. The fire is 100% contained now.
The delegation highlighted the severe drought and extreme weather conditions preceding the fires, which triggered evacuations and activated the Tribe’s Emergency Operations Plan. The resulting devastation has severely disrupted daily life, jeopardizing food security and the preservation of cultural practices.
The lawmakers are urging the President to expedite assistance and approve the Colville Business Council’s request for support, emphasizing the urgent need for relief amid the ongoing recovery efforts.
ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
1 arrested after Highway 17 stop; detectives recover fentanyl, firearms
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on Highway 17 near Randolph Road and executed a search warrant Friday morning as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.
4th-year drought declaration in WA, subtle effects in the Columbia Basin
EPHRATA — Washington’s fourth straight year of drought is expected to hit some regions hard, but in Grant and Adams counties, the impacts will look different – quieter, less visible and centered underground. Statewide, the Department of Ecology issued an emergency drought declaration after a warm winter left Washington with about half its usual snowpack, raising concerns about low summer streamflows, stressed fish populations and heightened wildfire risk. Seven of the past 10 years have included drought somewhere in the state. “If you look at our mountains, the challenge we are facing is clear,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said during a press conference Wednesday. “We’re taking emergency action to protect fish, farmers and communities across Washington.”
Sleep Diagnostic Center to close after doctor’s sentencing
MOSES LAKE — The Central Washington Sleep Diagnostic Center announced it will be closing its doors effective April 30. This includes locations in Moses Lake, Spokane Valley, Brewster and Wenatchee. The announcement follows the March 25 guilty plea from Dr. Eric Edward Haeger, 57, in United States District Court to adulterating and misbranding medical devices with the intent to defraud or mislead, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “The adulterations by Dr Haeger show a dangerous disregard for the safety of his patients,” Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said in a statement. “This is a win for patient safety, for protecting public dollars from fraud, and for ensuring citizens of Washington get necessary healthcare. This case exemplifies the great work our team is doing in collaboration with our federal partners to fight fraud and protect Washingtonians.”