State readies major disaster request to unlock federal aid for Spokane recovery

Governor Bob Ferguson said Washington has already received immediate disaster assistance from the federal government and will now pursue a separate major disaster declaration to unlock larger financial support. "The 2nd is a request for a major disaster declaration, a totally different request ... that is what unlocks significant financial assistance for individuals and for municipalities," Ferguson said, and he previewed an anticipated mid-September deadline to file the request.

Ferguson described the major declaration as a labor-intensive process that requires local governments to document individual and public-sector damage, confirm response actions and estimate needed assistance. He asked elected officials, tribal leaders and community representatives to help the state make a compelling case to federal agencies.