Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington praised local officials and first responders for their rapid response to the recent floods in Snohomish County. During a tour of the affected areas and a briefing at Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue Station 31 in Monroe, Cantwell underscored the importance of community preparedness and the role advanced weather forecasting plays in disaster planning. In a statement obtained by her official Senate website, she said, “Every place that we've been so far, there is almost a kumbaya moment in the notion that everybody worked together, first in the preparation and planning, and then in the execution and cooperation. And so, we're hearing that everywhere.”
Joined by Sen. Patty Murray, Governor Bob Ferguson, and other elected officials, the group made their way to Mount Vernon where the flood impacts were briefed, and the city's flood wall was toured. With the community's cooperation in focus, Cantwell observed, “And I think that's what we've learned here. Give the community the tools, and the community will respond.” This sentiment, reflecting upon the critical need for resources and planning, was echoed throughout her visit to the region, as noted by the press release.
The positive effects of cooperation were also highlighted in Cantwell's follow-up press conference with Governor Ferguson in King County. Here, the conversation broadened to include infrastructural needs and support for first responders. The expedited Emergency Declaration by President Trump was acknowledged as a welcome and necessary step, allowing federal resources from FEMA to flow into the impacted counties. Ample of gratitude, Cantwell told her official Senate website, "Thank you for the fast emergency declaration! Thank you for helping respond to our infrastructure needs. Thank you for supporting our first responders. Thank you!"
Key in Cantwell's discussions has been the ongoing work to provide emergency management resources and recovery assistance to the affected communities. Her office continues to collaborate with the National Weather Service, FEMA, U.S. Coast Guard, the Small Business Administration, and other federal agencies in these efforts. Ensuring that the narrative of recovery remains centered on preparedness and accurate weather forecasting, while still addressing immediate needs caused by the flooding, is a balance that Cantwell and her peers are determined to strike.
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