By Pepper Fisher
CLALLAM COUNTY — Many business owners are still feeling the effects of the devastating floods that occurred in western Washington between October 2021 and April 2022, including here in Clallam County. But state funds are now available to help make those businesses whole.
The group known as FORWARD is partnering with the Washington State Department of Commerce and local community organizations, to accept applications from businesses that sustained physical damage or economic loss due to that flooding. Approximately $10 million in grant money will be made available to awardees thanks to an allocation made by the state legislature.
The Northwest Disaster Grants Program will distribute grants to businesses throughout the Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Quileute Tribe, Clallam County, Skagit County, and Whatcom County.
The grants can be used to cover the costs of layoffs, inventory loss, facility damage, fixed expense needs, loss of revenue due to closure, and out-of-pocket costs.
Eligible businesses in Northwest Washington that have sustained physical damage or economic loss due to the flooding between October 2021 and April 2022 are eligible to apply for the program.
The Northwest Washington Disaster Grant applications opened last month on January 4. To learn more and to apply, go to bit.ly/WADisasterGrant.