By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – While 66 homes in Lewis County were damaged or affected by the December storm, no recovery assistance will be forthcoming from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
However, individuals who suffered losses may apply for assistance through the Small Business Administration loan recovery program in Cowlitz County, according to Steve Mansfield, manager of Lewis County Department of Emergency Management. The SBA offers low-interest loans.
Mansfield learned last week Washington state did not qualify for FEMA-funded help for individuals.
Of the 66 residences affected, 18 of them were secondary dwellings and the degree of damage was not noted in a list compiled by DEM for possible help from FEMA because they wouldn’t qualify.
Among the primary residences affected, three were destroyed and 11 sustained major damage, according to Mansfield. Another 33 were affected to lesser degree and at least one was left inaccessible.
As of last week, DEM didn’t yet have information about where or when Cowlitz County’s Disaster Loan Center would be set up.
Those with questions for Lewis County Department of Emergency Management can reach them at 360-740-1151.