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Washington Governor Requests $21 Million FEMA Assistance After December Floods, Victim Awaits Aid

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State Flood Damage and Governor’s Funding Request December’s historic floods across western Washington caused at least $182 million in public‑infrastructure damage and damaged roughly 4,000 homes, prompting Gov. Bob Ferguson to submit a Jan. 21 request for the maximum $21 million in FEMA Individual Assistance for affected families [1].

Ashleigh Barnhart’s Personal Loss and Emergency Relief Ashleigh Barnhart, an elementary‑school counselor and mother of five, reported $100,000 in damage after the Nooksack River flood destroyed the lower level of her home, leaving her without insurance coverage; she received a $3,000 FEMA emergency grant and supplemental donations via a GoFundMe campaign, but most repair costs remain out‑of‑pocket [1].

Federal Approval Uncertainty Linked to Prior Denial FEMA’s refusal to fund the 2024 bomb cyclone disaster has heightened concerns that the current flood request may also be rejected; Ferguson expressed cautious optimism about federal approval, while Barnhart said she “won’t hold her breath” but hopes President Trump will sign off on aid [1].

Sources

Timeline

April 2024 – FEMA denies disaster assistance for the 2024 bomb cyclone, creating uncertainty for future flood aid requests and later influencing Washington’s appeal for federal funds [1].

Dec 10, 2025 – Gov. Bob Ferguson declares a statewide emergency in Washington because of widespread flooding, stating he will “request an expedited federal declaration” to access life‑safety and emergency resources [7].

Dec 16, 2025 – Ferguson expands the emergency declaration to 14 counties, activates $3.5 million in state disaster relief, and deploys over 250 National Guard members and Coast Guard helicopters, supporting more than 1,200 rescues across the region [5].

Dec 16, 2025 – He describes the damage as “profound but unclear,” warns that “more high water, mudslides and power outages are forecast,” reports one death, and notes over 600 rescues and 572 assisted evacuations in ten counties [6].

Dec 24, 2025 – HHS issues a Public Health Emergency for Washington, expanding CMS flexibility for Medicare/Medicaid providers; FEMA and the SBA begin preliminary damage assessments to determine eligibility for a Major Disaster Declaration [4].

Jan 3, 2026 – Washington commits an additional $2.5 million in flood aid, opens disaster assistance centers in King and Snohomish counties, and plans extra centers in Skagit and Whatcom for the second week of January to help residents apply for Household Needs Grants [3].

Jan 21, 2026 – Ferguson sends a letter to President Trump requesting a federal major disaster declaration and $21.3 million in Individual Assistance for nearly 4,000 damaged homes, while noting that an emergency declaration already enables federal resources for counties and 15 tribal nations [2].

Feb 2026 – Ferguson asks FEMA for additional funds after $182 million in public‑infrastructure damage, seeking the maximum $21 million in Individual Assistance; flood victim Ashleigh Barnhart, who received a $3,000 FEMA grant, says she “won’t hold her breath” while hoping President Trump approves aid [1].

Feb 2026 – The governor prepares a separate February request for federal money to repair state infrastructure, pending completion of damage assessments [2].

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