On Tuesday, Gov. John Bel Edwards  announced his request that the existing federal Major Presidential Declaration for the state of Louisiana be amended to include additional parishes affected by recent severe weather across Louisiana. Washington is among the parishes in Edwards’ request.

Since the governor’s initial federal declaration request, additional parishes have assessed the number of affected residences, their need for debris removal, and emergency protective measures resulting in his request for additional parishes to be added.

“After days of visiting disaster areas and meeting with the families experiencing devastating loss because of flood waters across Louisiana, I have amended my request to include additional parishes in the Major Presidential Declaration for the state of Louisiana,” Edwards said. “State and local officials have given timely support to every parish in need, and we will continue to work around the clock to be sure that every citizen who is impacted by the flooding receives the disaster assistance he or she needs.”

On Wednesday, March 9, Edwards declared a state of emergency for 16 parishes in the state. On Thursday, March 10, he amended that declaration to include the entire state. Edwards made the initial request to President Barack Obama on Saturday, March 12. On March 13, Obama declared a major disaster for the state of Louisiana.

The federal declarations and types of assistance available include:

• Individual assistance (assistance to individuals and households) — Newly requested parishes: Washington, Beauregard, Bienville, Caddo, Caldwell, DeSoto, LaSalle, Livingston, Madison, Natchitoches, St. Tammany, Tagnipahoa, Union, Vernon, West Carroll and Winn; previously approved parishes: Bossier, Claiborne, Grant, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland and Webster.

• Public assistance (assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities) — Newly requested parishes: Washington, Beauregard, Bienville, Caddo, Caldwell, DeSoto, LaSalle, Livingston, Madison, Natchitoches, St. Tammany, Tagnipahoa, Union, Vernon, West Carroll and Winn; previously approved parishes: Bossier, Claiborne, Grant, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland and Webster.

• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards) — all areas in the state of Louisiana are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.