Fact Check: Washington State Requested Over $30 Million for Disaster Recovery Aid
What We Know
In response to a series of severe storms in November 2024, including a significant "bomb cyclone," Washington state estimated damages totaling approximately $34 million. Following this, the state applied for federal disaster relief funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist in recovery efforts, which included repairs to public highways, utilities, and electrical systems (Governor Bob Ferguson statement on denial of federal, source-1).
Governor Bob Ferguson publicly stated that Washington's application met all necessary criteria for federal assistance and expressed disappointment over FEMA's subsequent denial of the request (FEMA denies Washington state disaster relief from bomb, source-2). The denial was issued without an explanation, stating that the assistance was "not warranted" (FEMA denies WA request for bomb cyclone disaster aid, source-5).
Analysis
The claim that Washington state requested over $30 million for disaster recovery aid is substantiated by multiple sources. The preliminary damage estimate of $34 million is consistently reported across official statements and news articles (Governor Bob Ferguson statement on denial of federal, source-1; FEMA denies Washington state disaster relief from bomb, source-2).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they include official statements from the Washington state government and reputable news agencies such as the Associated Press. Governor Ferguson's statement reflects the state's position and the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for federal support to aid communities affected by the storms. The lack of explanation from FEMA regarding the denial raises questions about the decision-making process and the criteria used to evaluate such requests.
Furthermore, the context surrounding the storms and the subsequent disaster declaration by former Governor Jay Inslee adds credibility to the claim. The storms resulted in significant damage and loss of life, which underscores the necessity for recovery funds (FEMA denies WA request for bomb cyclone disaster aid, source-5).
Conclusion
The claim that Washington state requested over $30 million for disaster recovery aid is True. The evidence presented, including official statements and damage estimates, confirms that the state sought approximately $34 million in federal assistance following the devastating storms. The denial of this request by FEMA, despite meeting all criteria, highlights the challenges faced by the state in securing necessary recovery funds.
