FEMA funds aid Bend-La Pine Schools’ snow repairs

Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced Friday that Bend-La Pine Schools will receive more than $1 million in federal funds to reimburse the district for expenses stemming from the January 2017 storm that dumped snow on schools’ roofs.

The $1.1 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will cover costs for engineering evaluations and snow removal that the district incurred while protecting its buildings from heavy snow that piled on roofs and resulted in the collapse of the Kenwood School gym’s roof.

“Last year’s snowstorm walloped Central Oregon, and it’s essential that the Bend-La Pine School District gets these federal resources to help recover costs,” Wyden said. “Ensuring students, teachers and staff are in a safe setting always is a top priority.”

Merkley added, “These much-needed funds will help the Bend-La Pine School District recover from serious damage caused by last winter’s snowstorm. Whenever severe storms impact our communities, I will fight for the resources we need to recover.”