A federal disaster declaration was signed Jan. 30 allowing Pierce County residents who were affected by the January flooding to apply through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for damage assistance.

To seek damage assistance people may apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.

When people claim the need for assistance they will need to provide their current address and their address before the disaster, household income, insurance information and a description of their losses.

A FEMA damage recovery center opened Feb. 4 in Puyallup’s South Hill Mall. Assistance is available from FEMA, Pierce County departments and other agencies.

The recovery center is located inside the old JC Penney’s entrance at the mall. It is open through Saturday from 9 a.m through 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. The center will remain until further notice.

Property owners in Pierce County who sustained property damage this winter due to snow and flooding may qualify for property tax relief.

Applicants include those with damage to homes, buildings, businesses or personal property. The property must be located in an area that was declared a disaster area by Gov. Christine Gregoire and have a reduction of more than 20 percent in value.

To file a taxpayer’s claim for reduction of assessments, visit www.piercecountywa.org/flooddamage. Links will direct online users to click on mobile homes, real or personal property for business assets.

Online forms must be printed and submitted to: Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer’s Office, Attention: Karen Simpson, 2401 So. 35th St., Room 142, Tacoma, 98409. For information, call 253-798-7145 or e-mail KSIMPSON@co.pierce.wa.us.