Federal help is on the way for King County residents recovering from damage caused by the mid-December storm and flooding.
Major damage in the Highline area was in Shorewood, where about 20 homes were damaged or destroyed by a mudslide.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently declared King County eligible for individual assistance for the recent series of storms hitting the region.
"Thanks to the hard work of our local emergency management officials, and our partners at the state and federal levels, our residents can now receive the financial help they need to recover," said county Executive Ron Sims.
"The impact on homes and businesses in our county was larger than originally thought, so this is a key step in helping people get back on their feet."
This individual assistance declaration will make housing grants, financial assistance grants and loans available to individuals, families and small businesses who are eligible flood and storm survivors in King County.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate for all losses.
This assistance will help pay for basic needs not covered under insurance but will not duplicate insurance or other assistance. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other help may come in the form of loans.
Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
When applying for help, people must have the following information available: current phone number, both the current address and the address of the damaged property, Social Security number (if available), general financial information, and bank account information for direct deposit.
Those affected by the disaster are encouraged to apply for assistance immediately by going online to www.fema.gov or by calling FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
Those with speech or hearing impairments may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. FEMA's toll-free number also has Spanish language options.
