Story perspectives

FEMA Grants $1.5 M Local Flood Aid, Denies Statewide Funding

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

FEMA awarded nearly $1.5 million for local flood projects and refused a statewide mitigation grant.
Washington has 30 days to submit additional information and appeal the denial.
Rep. Rick Larsen called the statewide mitigation denial unacceptable.
President Donald Trump’s disaster declarations enable FEMA to reimburse Washington for cleanup and repairs.
His administration has cut national FEMA aid and approved fewer disaster grants for Democrat-run states.

History

Historical Context

In August 2005 Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, flooding New Orleans and prompting President George W. Bush to sign a $10.5 billion disaster aid bill on September 2. The storm’s chaotic FEMA response, examined in the 2006 Post-Katrina Reform Act, led to director Michael Brown’s resignation. Today Rep. Rick Larsen and state officials contest a grant, echoing the 2005 controversy over FEMA’s selective funding.

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Story summary

FEMA awarded nearly $1.5 million for local flood projects and refused a statewide mitigation grant.
Washington has 30 days to submit additional information and appeal the denial.
Rep. Rick Larsen called the statewide mitigation denial unacceptable.
President Donald Trump’s disaster declarations enable FEMA to reimburse Washington for cleanup and repairs.
His administration has cut national FEMA aid and approved fewer disaster grants for Democrat-run states.

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