BILL REQ. #:  H-4424.1 

Read first time 01/24/2006.   Referred to Committee on Economic Development, Agriculture & Trade.

     AN ACT Relating to providing assistance for flood damage; adding a new section to chapter 43.31 RCW; creating a new section; and making an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that citizens and businesses are experiencing extensive damage from winter floods. The legislature further finds that federal disaster assistance programs and other forms of disaster relief are not always available to assist those in need. Therefore, the legislature finds that a state program for flood damage assistance and relief must be created to help Washington citizens and communities to protect their homes, businesses, and communities.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 43.31 RCW to read as follows:
     The department of community, trade, and economic development shall establish a flood damage relief program to provide financial assistance to individuals, businesses, and local governments that have experienced flood damage. The department shall establish criteria for awarding grants for emergency repair and cleanup activities as a result of flood damage. The criteria must include, but is not limited to:
     (1) The availability of other sources of financial assistance including other state or federal disaster assistance;
     (2) The extent of the damage;
     (3) Matching funds that may be available; and
     (4) The financial need of the applicant.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The sum of five million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development for the purposes of this act.