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.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15944, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
New or modified Base (1-percent annual chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and/or regulatory floodways (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations) as shown on the indicated Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for each of the communities listed in the table below are finalized. Each LOMR revises the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and in some cases the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, currently in effect for the listed communities.
2026-15946, Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations
New or modified Base (1-percent annual chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and/or regulatory floodways (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations) as shown on the indicated Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for each of the communities listed in the table below are finalized. Each LOMR revises the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and in some cases the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, currently in effect for the listed communities.
2026-15943, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
Comments are requested on proposed flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the table below. The purpose of this notice is to seek general information and comment regarding the preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided to the affected communities. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15942, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports have been made final for the communities listed in the table below. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having an effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15938, Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations
Comments are requested on proposed flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the table below. The purpose of this notice is to seek general information and comment regarding the preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided to the affected communities. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
2026-15941, Final Flood Hazard Determinations
Flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports have been made final for the communities listed in the table below. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having an effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
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.