FEMA again rejects WA request for bomb cyclone disaster aid – The Seattle Times

Report on Federal Disaster Aid Denial for Washington State Following Bomb Cyclone

Overview of the Disaster and Federal Aid Request

Washington State experienced significant damage to public property due to the bomb cyclone storm in November 2024. The storm caused widespread destruction including damage to hundreds of homes and businesses, power outages, and resulted in two fatalities.

In response, then-Governor Jay Inslee declared a disaster and allocated $1 million in state recovery funds for affected counties. Additionally, the federal Small Business Administration provided low-interest disaster assistance loans to residents and businesses in several counties.

Federal Aid Denial and Appeal

1. In April 2025, the Trump administration denied Washington State’s request for federal disaster relief to cover over $34 million in damages to highways, public utilities, and other infrastructure across six counties.
2. Washington State filed an appeal against this denial; however, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reaffirmed the decision, stating federal aid “is not warranted” without providing detailed reasons.
3. Washington’s entire congressional delegation urged reconsideration of the denial through a letter to President Donald Trump, emphasizing the severity of the disaster.

Statements from State Officials and Congressional Delegation

• Governor Bob Ferguson criticized the federal government’s refusal to provide aid, highlighting ongoing efforts to secure support for recovery.
• U.S. Senator Patty Murray condemned the decision as unjustified, stressing that federal disaster aid is designed for catastrophic events like the bomb cyclone and that local communities are unfairly burdened with recovery costs.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The denial of federal disaster aid to Washington State has significant implications for several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The storm’s damage to infrastructure and housing challenges the resilience and sustainability of affected communities.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – The event underscores the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events linked to climate change, highlighting the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
• SDG 1: No Poverty – The financial burden on residents and businesses due to lack of federal aid may exacerbate economic vulnerabilities and hinder recovery efforts.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Power outages and infrastructure damage pose risks to public health and safety during and after disasters.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Washington State continues to pursue all possible avenues to obtain federal support for disaster recovery, emphasizing the critical role of federal assistance in achieving sustainable and resilient communities. The situation highlights the importance of aligning disaster response policies with the Sustainable Development Goals to ensure effective recovery and long-term resilience against climate-related disasters.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Focus on disaster resilience and recovery of public infrastructure and communities affected by the bomb cyclone.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Addressing the impacts of extreme weather events such as the bomb cyclone and the need for disaster preparedness and response.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Repair and recovery of damaged highways, public utilities, and infrastructure.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Support for affected residents and businesses through disaster assistance loans and state recovery funding.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.5: Significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including water-related disasters.
   • Target 11.b: Increase the number of cities adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.5: Build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of deaths and people affected by disasters
   • The article mentions two deaths and widespread damage to homes and businesses, which can be used to measure progress under SDG 11.5.
2. Amount of financial aid and recovery funding provided
   • State recovery funding of $1 million and $34 million in damages outlined for federal aid requests indicate financial metrics for recovery efforts.
   • Availability and uptake of low-interest disaster assistance loans for residents and businesses.
3. Extent of infrastructure damage and repairs
   • Damage to highways, public utilities, and other public property, and the progress in repairs can serve as indicators for SDG 9.1.
4. Federal disaster aid approvals and denials
   • The denial and appeal process for federal aid can be an indicator of institutional response and support for disaster resilience (SDG 13.1 and 11.b).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: seattletimes.com