N. Idaho counties to get federal disaster aid

Local governments in North Idaho will get federal aid to help with the costs of damage from the Nov. 17 windstorm.

President Barack Obama approved disaster aid to four Panhandle counties, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and some public utilities to help with the costs of emergency work and repairs or replacements of facilities damaged in the storm.

Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Kootenai counties took the brunt of the winds, which were clocked as high as 101 mph in Bonner County, Gov. Butch Otter said in a press release. Power lines went down, and the utilities sustained significant damage, leaving some customers without power for more than a week.

Washington also plans to seek a disaster declaration for damage from the winds and flooding that accompanied that storm. Damage is spread throughout the state and emergency officials have received an extension to compile data.

Karina Shagren, communications director for the Washington Military Department, said the state now has until Jan. 19 but expects to file the report in the next two weeks.