Ferguson seeks federal major disaster declaration, $21 million after historic floods

He is requesting $21.3 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance.

“Governor Ferguson’s request currently includes Chelan, Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom counties, as well as 15 federally recognized Tribal nations,” according to a news release from his office Wednesday.

Ferguson posted the video he sent to Trump on X.

Today, I sent a letter and this video to President Trump requesting a major disaster declaration following December’s historic storms.

I’m also requesting FEMA open Individual Assistance funds for survivors in affected counties and Tribal nations, an estimated $21.3 million. pic.twitter.com/iNlo3qGsWy

— Governor Bob Ferguson (@GovBobFerguson) January 21, 2026

The state will make a separate request for money to fix damaged infrastructure next month, once damage assessments are complete.

“Today’s request specifically seeks assistance for individuals,” the release stated. “Washington state is still working to separately collect information about damage to public infrastructure, like roads and levees.”

Ferguson walked FEMA through disaster as it unfolded

Ferguson was on the phone with FEMA as the disaster unfolded. He and his team described what they saw.

“We walked through the numerous highway closures,” Ferguson told reporters last month. “We walked through the flood levels. We walked through tens of thousands of Washingtonians being evacuated.”

Atmospheric rivers and winter storms damaged nearly 4,000 homes and forced more than 100,000 people to evacuate. One person died.

“The scale, duration, and severity of this disaster overwhelmed local and state response capabilities,” Ferguson said. “Thousands of families experienced devastating loss. Federal assistance is essential to help Washingtonians recover from these historic floods.”

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.