Perry, Dunn bring legislation to expedite permits, reimburse some residents for storm-related costs from bomb cyclone

November 25, 2024

King County Councilmembers Sarah Perry and Reagan Dunn on Monday introduced legislation to help residents respond to the severe storm damage in East and Southeast King County resulting from the Nov. 19 bomb cyclone. 

The proposal focuses on two significant challenges for residents who suffered the worst of the storm damage. First, the legislation calls for expedited permitting decisions from King County for home, farm and business repairs stemming from the storm. The cost of these permits would also be absorbed by King County. Second, King County is directed to expand its grant program for residents who have incurred out-of-pocket living expenses as a result of extended power outages. These expenses could include fuel for generators, short term hotel charges, food spoilage, dump fees, tree and branch removal and other storm related expenses. The grant program would also help those who may have been uninsured or underinsured for certain storm damage.

“East and Southeast King County residents have suffered for almost a week without power and many have had to clear their own property of storm damage to access their homes or leave their homes for basic needs,” Dunn said. “Helping these residents is a fundamental responsibility of King County government, and these actions will make an immediate difference for those families.”

“There are a number of county residents who are uninsured or underinsured who do not have any way to repair their homes or remove fallen trees,” Perry said. “We need to help these folks make repairs so they can recover from this cyclone and move on with their lives. In addition to our residents, I am particularly concerned with our farms and small businesses in East and Southeast King County who need our help. It's our job to be there for them."

People with any questions, or who need resources, are encouraged to reach out to sarah.perry@kingcounty.gov, or reagan.dunn@kingcounty.gov. The legislation will be introduced at Council tomorrow on an expedited basis, where it will be referred to Committee of the Whole for a hearing in early December.

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