FEMA denies funds to WA for damage caused by 2024 bomb cyclone

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has announced plans to appeal FEMA's recent denial of disaster relief funds following the November 2024 “bomb cyclone. ” The storm was catastrophic, causing an estimated $34 million in damage across the state and resulting in power outages for approximately 650,000 customers. Tragically, the storm also led to two fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for federal assistance. Ferguson asserted that the state's application met all the criteria established for emergency relief funds, criticizing the federal government's delay in providing crucial resources to communities recovering from the disaster. The appeal comes in light of FEMA's rejection on April 11, which claimed that supplemental federal assistance was “not warranted” for the affected counties.

Local officials, including King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn, echoed Ferguson's sentiments, expressing frustration at the denial despite overwhelming bipartisan support for the necessary relief. Dunn emphasized that FEMA's purpose is to aid citizens in recovering from natural disasters, reinforcing the appeal's importance. The state has until May 11 to submit its formal appeal, as it continues to gather updated damage estimates from local counties.