SENATE BILL REPORT

                  ESJM 8013

               As Passed Senate, April 14, 1999

Brief Description:  Requesting federal assistance for areas of Washington that received record rainfall this winter.

Sponsors:  Senators T. Sheldon, Rasmussen, Horn and Sheahan.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ways & Means:  4/1/99, 4/5/99 [DPS].

Passed Senate, 4/14/99, 45-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 8013 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Loveland, Chair; Bauer, Vice Chair; Brown, Vice Chair; Fairley, Fraser, Honeyford, Kline, Kohl-Welles, Long, McDonald, Rasmussen, Rossi, B. Sheldon, Snyder, Spanel, West, Winsley, Wojahn and Zarelli.

Staff:  Bryon Moore (786-7726)

Background:  The Emergency Management Division in the Military Department, in cooperation with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local governments, administers state and local disaster recovery efforts.  Once the President declares a disaster, the state becomes eligible for federal assistance under programs administered by FEMA.  To receive federal assistance under one of these programs, 25 percent matching funds are usually required.

Between the months of November 1998 and February 1999, some parts of Washington experienced record rainfall.  The flooding and mudslides resulting from this rainfall have caused substantial damage to homes, roads and other public infrastructure.

Summary of Bill:  The Legislature requests that, if the Governor requests federal disaster assistance, the President and FEMA will respond favorably to the request and provide the maximum available disaster recovery support.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  This is an important statement indicating the Legislature=s support of the people impacted by the flooding and mudslides.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Karen Fraser.