Malden officials pen letter to President Trump

Jana Mathia, Whitman County Gazette | Dec 17, 20200

MALDEN — President Donald J. Trump should have received a letter yesterday from city officials asking for federal assistance in the wake of the Babb Fire and other Sept. 7 wildfires statewide.

Malden Mayor Dan Harwood and Pine Creek Community Restoration Long-Term Recovery Group Director and City Councilman Scott Hokonson signed the letter Dec. 8.

The letter follows ones from Gov. Jay Inslee and state congressional delegation requesting a federal disaster declaration for the eligible counties, including Whitman County.

More than 85% of Malden’s homes were destroyed and nearly 60% were uninsured or underinsured, the letter said.

“Our entire way of life has been disrupted and the community we all love so much has been taken away from us,” the letter said. “Despite all this, we celebrate this way of life and continue the great American tradition of self-reliance and independence. Nevertheless, we are struggling every day because of the overwhelming challenges we all face trying to rebuild our lives and out communities.”

The letter related two stories about Malden individuals:

Jim Jacobs, a retired construction worker and veteran, lost his home and all his possessions with no insurance. After the fire, he lost his wife and now resides in motor home on his property.

Vanessa Place is a wife and mother of four and the town librarian. The fire destroyed her family’s home and possessions, as well as the library. The family of six now lives in an RV and plan to remain in Malden. Place is also a member of the Long-Term Recovery Organization.

“All of this combines with the reality of the current pandemic has meant that our recovery and support efforts have been made much more difficult,” the local letter said. “We are committed to rebuilding our communities and restoring our lives. However, without your help this may not be possible.”

Gov. Inslee requested a federal disaster declaration Sept. 16 for all counties affected by wildfires. Oregon and California received federal approval after their fires, but the request from Washington is still pending.

“We recognize that FEMA has its hands full,” Pine Creek Community Restoration spokesman Gerry Bozarth said.

He does not know why the request is delayed.

A federal disaster declaration would open up funding avenues for individuals, businesses and government.

FEMA funding would reimburse the state to recoup 75% of the clean-up costs.

“We truly appreciate the efforts the state of Washington has put into this,” Bozarth said. “No one had the money to be doing the type of clean up needed.”

The Malden letter was delivered by Fifth Congressional District Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane, to White House staff or possibly President Trump directly, Bozarth said.