Gov. Jay Inslee issued an emergency proclamation today for Clallam, Jefferson and 17 other counties because of winter weather that is forecast to continue through this weekend.
“These storms caused injuries, significant power outages, evacuations, road damage, temporary road closures and detours, rail line closures, and extensive damage to homes, businesses, public utilities, public facilities, electrical power systems, infrastructure and property,” Inslee said in the proclamation.
Road damage caused by recent snow, estimated at more than $3 million statewide, required the state Department of Transportation (DOT) to begin work immediately to repair affected roadways using emergency procurement procedures to alleviate impacts to public safety, according to a press release issued today by the governor’s office.
In addition to the two counties of the North Olympic Peninsula, the proclamation affects Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum and Whatcom counties.
The proclamation directs state agencies to use state resources to do everything reasonably possible to assist affected communities, the press release said. The state Military Department’s Emergency Management Division is coordinating response activities.
The proclamation also allows the state to apply for federal funds to help permanently repair roadways.
