WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Flood victims in Whatcom County are getting a break as the county waives permit fees for flood-related emergency repairs.

County Executive Satpal Sidhu signed an order Monday to help families, farms and businesses recover from devastating floods, noting that waiving fees is an important step toward a speedy and full recovery.

“Many families, farms and businesses have been devastated by the floods,” Sidhu said. “We must do what we can to help those who have been displaced get back into their homes as quickly and safely as possible. Waiving those fees is an important step towards facilitating a speedy and full recovery.”

The order suspends permit fees for emergency repairs to flood damage on requests filed between Dec. 9 through Dec. 31. Fees for natural resource activity and on-site sewage permits are also waived.

To support local restaurants, food establishment permits will be extended for the time businesses were forced to close, but re-inspection is required for reopening.