OLYMPIA -- The White House on Tuesday approved an emergency request for federal flood relief in 11 Washington counties.

Acting promptly after a request from Gov. Chris Gregoire, President Bush said the government's emergency declaration will augment state and local recovery efforts in areas damaged by flooding, landslides and mudslides during severe storms last month.

The order triggers federal help for individuals and businesses in Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pierce, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston and Wahkiakum counties. Other counties may be added later.

The White House said assistance can include grants for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and businesses. Applications can be made starting today online, www.fema.gov, or by phone, 800-621-FEMA.

Federal matching funds are available for flood-mitigation projects statewide, the White House said.

R. David Paulison, head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, named Elizabeth Turner as the federal coordinator in the affected counties.

Paulison said other areas may be added to the declaration after further damage assessments are tallied and sent to the state.

A team of local, state and federal officials found about $37 million in damage to public facilities, the governor said.

"Washingtonians will have access to additional support as they work to recover and rebuild their communities," the governor said in a statement. "I know many people lost their homes and belongings in the record rains and flooding of last month, and this is a tough time to be focused on repairing your home and getting back to a daily routine."