Gov. Ferguson says FEMA denied relief funds for 2024 bomb cyclone with no explanation

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Bob Ferguson said Monday he will appeal the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s decision to deny Washington federal disaster relief for the bomb cyclone that caused widespread damage last year. 

Ferguson said Washington applied for disaster relief funds in January to repair damage to highways, public utilities and electrical power systems. Three months later, FEMA responded Friday, denying the application without explanation.

In November, the deadly storm knocked out power for over 600,000 people and two people were killed by falling trees. Former Gov. Jay Inslee declared a disaster in nine counties in response to the storms: Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, King, Pacific, Snohomish, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla and Whatcom. Ferguson expanded the declaration to include two additional counties — Clallam and Jefferson — after the full extent of the storm damage was determined.

The storm caused an estimated $34 million in damages. 

“There are very clear criteria to qualify for these emergency relief funds,” Ferguson said Monday in a release. “Washington’s application met all of them. This is another troubling example of the federal government withholding funding. Washington communities have been waiting for months for the resources they need to fully recover from last winter’s devastating storms, and this decision will cause further delay. We will appeal.”

According to the release, FEMA’s public assistance programs reimburse at least 75% of eligible costs related to a declared disaster. Ferguson said the estimate of damages will likely increase as the state works with counties to update their information for an appeal.

Washington has 30 days to submit its appeal.