Disaster Assistance Program activated for Snohomish County agricultural operations in response to December 2023 flooding.

What is the Disaster Assistance Program (DAP)?

The Washington State Conservation Commission has activated the Disaster Assistance Program, a short-term disaster recovery financial assistance program for farmers and ranchers who sustained physical damage to their Snohomish County agricultural operations or incurred expenses as a result of flooding December 5 and 6, 2023. It may partially reimburse eligible disaster recovery expenses or fund the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) that restore or increase disaster resiliency.

What types of expenses may qualify?

The program may partially reimburse producers for documented disaster recovery costs. Examples of potentially qualifying expenses include replacement or repair of damaged fencing, costs of debris removal in agricultural fields, replacing ruined hay and feed, damaged or lost equipment and more. Eligible expenses must result from damage to agriculture operations in Snohomish County from this flood event. Loss of anticipated income is not eligible for reimbursement. Items covered by insurance are not eligible. Documentation is required. See the application for more information.

How do I apply?

If you believe you are eligible, we encourage you to apply. Funding is limited. There are three ways you may apply to DAP.

1.   Download an application, fill it out digitally, and email it along with all required documentation to floodhelp@snohomishcd.org.

2.   Print an application, fill it out manually, and mail it to or drop it off at Snohomish Conservation District at 528 91st Ave NE, Suite A, Lake Stevens, WA 98258.

3.   Hard copy applications also are available for you to fill out in-person at the Snohomish Conservation District at 528 91st Ave NE, Suite A, Lake Stevens, WA 98258.

For questions about eligibility and how to apply, contact Snohomish Conservation District at 425-658-9067 or floodhelp@snohomishcd.org. If you need an alternative format for the application, please contact the Washington State Conservation Commission by phone (360-407-6200) or TTY Relay (711).

Application deadline: 5 pm on May 13, 2024

Don’t miss the application deadline! Applications must be submitted by 5 pm on May 13, 2024. If there are funds remaining after all applications have been reviewed, a second application window may be made available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Can I submit applications for multiple business entities?

Yes. However, if you submit applications for reimbursement for multiple farm or ranch entities that they own, Washington State Conservation Commission’s $50,000 limit per landowner still applies. Multiple applications could be funded, but the total awarded cannot exceed $50,000.

Am I eligible if I already applied for other federal relief programs?

No. Expenses submitted to the USDA Farm Services Agency (FSA), or other government disaster recovery programs are not eligible.

How will decisions be made?

Applications that meet eligibility requirements will be referred to an advisory committee consisting of representatives from the Washington Department of Agriculture. SCC, Snohomish Conservation District, and a representative from the agricultural industry. SCC will review committee recommendations and make final decisions on how to best allocate limited funding.

How does the program work?

Washington State Conservation Commission, following legislative direction, has established the Disaster Assistance Program— a short-term disaster recovery financial assistance program for farmers and ranchers who sustained physical damage or incurred expenses during a natural disaster. It may partially reimburse eligible disaster recovery expenses or fund the implementation of Best Management Practices that restore and/or increase disaster resiliency. The program was first activated in 2021 in Whatcom County due to flood impacts.

2023 Proviso language states, “one-time funding is provided solely to support the continued development of the disaster assistance program established in RCW 89.08.645, which provides short-term financial support for farmers and ranchers during disasters. Funding must be prioritized for farmers and ranchers who are most economically vulnerable.”

RCW 89.08.645 requires Washington State Conservation Commission to coordinate with the Washington State Department of Agriculture and local conservation districts to conduct outreach to farmers and ranchers to increase awareness and understanding of the program and to ensure that farmers and ranchers are aware of other disaster relief assistance available through the state and federal government.

This program is different from other Washington State Conservation Commission grant programs. Rather than operating project-by-project, funding is held in readiness until the commission decides to “activate” the program.

  • Once the commission decides to activate DAP in response to a specific natural disaster in a specific geography, the Washington State Conservation Commission engages with the affected district(s) to provide technical assistance (TA) funding and other support (see Guidelines for details).

  • Robust outreach is conducted to alert potentially eligible producers of DAP and other assistance they might be eligible for.

  • A review committee is formed for each activation of the program to provide local knowledge, technical expertise, accountability, and oversight. The committee includes both local and statewide representation (see Guidelines).

  • The committee reviews applications and recommends awards to Washington State Conservation Commission for approval.