FEMA Steps In for Washington's Storm and Flood Emergency Aid
Published Date: 5/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The President declared an emergency in Washington on December 12, 2025, due to severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides starting December 9. This means FEMA will help cover 75% of emergency costs to protect people and property. The aid focuses on quick, direct federal support to keep everyone safe and reduce damage in the hardest-hit areas.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Federal Pays 75% Of Eligible Costs
If you live in a designated area of Washington, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds provided under the Stafford Act for Public Assistance will be limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs. The Presidential emergency declaration was issued December 12, 2025 and applies to emergency measures beginning December 9, 2025.
Federal Assistance Program Numbers Listed
The notice lists Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) numbers to be used for reporting and drawing funds, including programs such as Disaster Unemployment Assistance (97.034), Disaster Housing Assistance to Individuals and Households (97.048 and related housing CFDA numbers), Crisis Counseling (97.032), Disaster Legal Services (97.033), and Disaster Grants--Public Assistance (97.036). These CFDA numbers are identified in connection with the December 12, 2025 emergency declaration for Washington.
Emergency Protective Measures Authorized (Category B)
FEMA is authorized to provide assistance for emergency protective measures (Category B) limited to direct Federal assistance under the Public Assistance program to save lives and protect property and public health and safety. The authorization follows the December 12, 2025 emergency declaration for conditions beginning December 9, 2025.
Designated Counties and Tribal Nations Listed
The emergency declaration names Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom, and Yakima Counties, the Samish Indian Nation, and all Tribal Nations within the specified jurisdictions as adversely affected for Category B emergency protective measures. If you live in one of these areas, those areas are designated for the declared emergency dated December 12, 2025.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09957 — National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); Assistance to Private Sector Property Insurers, Notice of Adjustment to FY 2027 Arrangement
FEMA is pushing back the start date for its 2027 flood insurance help for private insurers from October 1 to December 1, 2026, because of a government funding delay. This change affects private insurance companies working with the National Flood Insurance Program and means they’ll get financial support a bit later than planned. The update keeps everything on track for the new fiscal year without changing the money involved.
2026-09945 — Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for Gaston County, North Carolina, and Incorporated Areas
FEMA is hitting pause on updating flood risk maps for Gaston County, North Carolina, because the county needs to fix its flood maps first. This means no new flood rules or insurance changes will happen right now, but stay tuned—new updates will come soon. If you live or own property there, keep an eye out for future announcements that could affect flood insurance and safety.
2026-09847 — Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood maps for certain communities using new science, changing flood risk zones and water levels. If you live or own property in these areas, your flood insurance rules and costs might change soon. You’ve got 90 days after local notice to ask for a review, so keep an eye out and act fast!
2026-09850 — Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA is updating flood risk maps for certain communities using new science and data. These changes might affect flood insurance rules and costs, so residents and businesses should check the updated maps and act fast if they want to appeal within 90 days. The updates take effect on specific dates listed for each community, helping everyone stay safer and smarter about flood risks.
2026-09851 — Final Flood Hazard Determinations
FEMA has finalized updates to flood risk maps for several communities, changing flood zones and water levels that affect flood insurance rules. Homeowners, renters, and local governments need to check these new maps by July 7, 2026, to stay protected and insured. These changes could impact insurance costs and building rules, so it’s smart to stay informed and prepared!
2026-09848 — Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Starting June 10, 2026, several communities will see updated flood risk maps that show new or changed flood zones and water levels. These changes affect homeowners, renters, and local governments by guiding flood insurance rules and safety plans. If you live in or own property in these areas, expect updates that could impact insurance costs and building rules.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08827 — New Mexico; Emergency and Related Determinations
On July 10, 2025, the President declared an emergency in parts of New Mexico due to severe storms, flooding, and landslides starting June 23. This means the federal government will help pay for emergency actions to save lives and protect property, covering up to 75% of eligible costs. The support is happening now and will help communities recover faster and safer.
Next: 2026-08829 — Montana; Emergency and Related Determinations
Montana faced severe storms and flooding starting December 10, 2025, leading the President to declare an emergency on December 19, 2025. This means Montana can get federal help to protect people and property, with the government covering 75% of eligible emergency costs. The aid focuses on quick, lifesaving actions and will help the state recover faster.