Federal funds will also be provided for the state and affected local governments for restoring damaged public facilities and for projects that mitigate future disaster risks in jurisdictions to be designated after damage assessments are completed. FEMA's Federal Insurance Administration reports the National Flood Insurance Program has 17,416 policies in force throughout the state. As of Friday, February 9, The National Weather Service reports there are flood warnings on 23 major rivers and numerous small streams in the state. Flood watches are in effect for all other rivers and streams in the state. Washington State's Division of Emergency Management reports that shelters have opened in seven counties.
Many towns report possible contamination of drinking water sources.
Major highways have been closed due to avalanches, mud slides and flooding. At the time of this release, FEMA does not have a request from the governor of Idaho for a major disaster declaration. Gov. Phil Batt signed a State of Emergency for five counties and the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. There are currently 47 Pennsylvania counties that have been qualified for public property and infrastructure repair assistance since President Clinton's major disaster declaration issued on January 21. Harvey Ryland, FEMA's deputy director, held meetings yesterday, February 8, with local officials in Clinton and Clearfield counties.