Washington Governor Gregoire Strengthens Focus and Organization of Storm Relief Efforts

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January 28, 2008 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire today announced the creation of a storm recovery task force and that she is strengthening the focus and organization of the state’s storm relief efforts

“We are shifting out of crisis mode and into the hard work of recovery,” she said. “We’re reorganizing our efforts to respond to the storm’s aftermath over the mid- to long-term.”

The governor was joined at the announcement by Public Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland, Department of Social and Health Services Director Robin Arnold-Williams, General Administration Director Linda Villegas Bremer, as well as state employees from Thurston and Lewis counties who were among the first responders to the December storms.

She announced the creation of a storm recovery task force comprised of state agency cabinet members, and in some cases elected officials, such as Public Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland. The task force will conduct weekly meetings to oversee and direct recovery efforts, which include human services, cleanup, public system repair and financial recovery.

It is important for agencies to coordinate their efforts, Gregoire said. For example, the Department of Social and Health Services and the Department of Health might work hand in hand to secure housing and working water systems in a given neighborhood, she said.

“I want our agencies to be on the same page with a constant view of the big picture,” she said. “That way, we can get more targeted, faster responses to what needs to be done in the months and even years ahead.”

"My priority for storm recovery is to assist owners of forests and farms with their efforts to restore productivity to their lands in time for spring planting,” Sutherland said. “At the Department of Natural Resources, if requested by the landowner, we're coordinating removal of woody debris deposited by floodwaters, and doing so at no charge. In addition, we're expediting applications from forest landowners seeking to harvest wind-blown timber from the December storm or to repair roads damaged by the winds or flooding."

Gregoire said she also has asked agency heads to use their experiences with this storm to get the state ready for the next disaster.

Gregoire said she has asked the Legislature for up to $78 million to pay for state government’s response to the storm, which included everything from housing to help for businesses and flood control. For example, DSHS approved nearly 17,000 applications for food stamps and the Department of General Administration delivered tons of food, baskets, infant formula and tarps.

She also asked citizens to take a second look at helping their neighbors in southwest Washington.

“My call to the people of Washington is that if you have a skill to help rebuild homes or other structures, please contact a local emergency management agency,” Gregoire said.

Source: Washington Governor