Summary

The King County Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a measure that will allow King County employees to help provide relief to the people of the Bahamas in the wake of Hurricane Dorian.

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The King County Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a measure that will allow King County employees to help provide relief to the people of the Bahamas in the wake of Hurricane Dorian.

“It is the American way to give generously when we see others in need,” said King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “This legislation gives King County and its employees a pathway to help Bahamian families and communities who have a long recovery ahead.”

Introduced last week by Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Larry Gossett, this legislation will allow County employees to donate their vacation time in the form of a cash donation to victims of natural disasters. Additionally, it requests research into other ways that King County could provide disaster relief to the Bahamas, such as by providing personnel, technical expertise, or medical supplies to aid relief efforts.

“King County and our employees have a long history in helping people around the world and in the US in the face of devastating natural disasters,” Gossett said. “I hope our employees will give generously to the people of the Bahamas in their time of need and in their efforts to rebuild their communities and their country.”

“When major disasters like Hurricane Dorian occur, it reminds us that we are all a part of a global community,” said Kohl-Welles, co-sponsor of the motion. “By approving this measure, we can show our support and caring for the people of the Bahamas and let them know that even though they are thousands of miles away, they are still close to our hearts.”

Hurricane Dorian was a Category 5 hurricane that devastated the Bahamas when it struck the islands of Great Abaco, Grand Bahama, and others on September 1. The hurricane was one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record. As of Thursday, September 12, the Bahamas Health Minister has confirmed that 50 people have died as a result of the storm, and thousands of people are still missing. Officials estimate that approximately 70,000 people are left without homes.