Senators and representatives from areas of Washington state affected by this summer’s wildfires, including Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, have asked President Barack Obama for disaster assistance.
Along with Herrera Beutler, Reps. Dave Reichert, Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Dan Newhouse and Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell have signed a letter urging Obama to grant Gov. Jay Inslee’s request for federal assistance for both wildfires and an August windstorm.
The letter states the delegation supports Inslee’s request for hazard mitigation and public and individual assistance.
“The public assistance requested by Governor Inslee is vital to restoring public infrastructure damage by the wildfires,” the letter states.
“Further, individual assistance with housing support, disaster crisis counseling, disaster unemployment, and other supports will help meet the needs of the families, business owners, and other community members who are struggling in the aftermath of this disaster.”
Fires this summer have burned more than 1 million acres, destroyed 146 homes and damaged another 476. More than $319 million has been spent fighting wildfires in Washington state since June 1.
