Mynorthwest.com reports that King County has opened new financial relief options for residents and small businesses affected by severe flooding in December, while also proposing legislation to accelerate repairs to damaged roads and bridges.
According to a news release from the King County Executive’s Office, homeowners, renters, and businesses impacted by the flooding can now apply for low-interest disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The program allows homeowners to borrow up to $500,000 to repair or replace damaged homes, while homeowners and renters may receive up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property.
Eligible small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations—including faith-based groups—may also apply for assistance through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program if they experienced financial losses related to the disaster.
Applicants can submit their requests through the SBA’s website. The deadline for property damage applications is April 27, while the deadline for economic injury applications is November 24.
To assist residents in person, the SBA has also opened disaster assistance centers at the Auburn Library and the Fall City Library. The centers provide guidance on the application process and are open throughout the week with extended hours.
“These SBA loans can be a critical bridge for individuals and families repairing what was damaged and for our small businesses working to stay open and move forward,” King County Executive Girmay Zahilay said in a statement.
Alongside the loan program, Zahilay has introduced legislation aimed at speeding up repairs to roads and bridges damaged during the flooding. The proposal would temporarily expand the allowable use of Real Estate Excise Tax 2 (REET 2) funds so they can be directed toward urgent infrastructure repairs.
Currently, REET 2 revenue is used for capital projects in unincorporated areas of King County through the Department of Natural Resources. Zahilay’s proposal would allow those funds to be used immediately for flood-related repairs before the expanded use sunsets after one year. The proposal would not increase taxes.
Flooding caused more than $10 million in damage to county-owned roads and bridges, according to the Road Services Division. REET 2 revenue is expected to generate about $18.7 million during the 2026–2027 biennium.
“These funds will provide vital support to unincorporated King County residents and help ensure the infrastructure connecting our rural communities is repaired as quickly as possible,” King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn said.
If the proposal is approved by the King County Council, the budget adjustments are expected to be included in the county’s first omnibus package in April.