SPOKANE, Wash – Every senator and representative in Washington joined the call for President Trump to approve a major disaster declaration in the wake of the devastating fire season.
Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell signed the letter, along with Rep. Michael Baumgartner, Rep. Dan Newhouse, Rep. Kim Schrier, Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Marilyn Strickland, Rep. Emily Randall, Rep. Suzan DelBene, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Rick Larsen and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.
The letter cites destruction from this summer’s fires in every virtually every county in Eastern Washington.
“Many of these fires burned over the course of several weeks, and damaged public infrastructure like roads, bridges, public utility systems, and other essential public assets,” the letter reads. “Beyond the infrastructure that was completely lost to the wildfires, the prolonged exposure to fire, smoke, and extreme temperatures have left remaining infrastructure vulnerable to further damage and unsafe for the public.”
The letter says initial estimates show the state suffered $133.7 million in damages, including $70 million in damages from the Spokane County fires alone.
That does not include damage to homes and private property. With that included, the estimated damages rise to more than $1 billion.
“These devastating wildfires have put significant stress on Washington state’s infrastructure and emergency response resources,” the delegation said. “Throughout the crisis, local, Tribal, state, federal, and international first responders stepped up and worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe.”
The delegation urges President Trump to approve the Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance.
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