President Biden approves Oregon disaster declaration, orders federal recovery aid from severe January storms
(Update: Adding governor's news release)
WASHINGTON (KTVZ) -- President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared Saturday that a major disaster exists in the State of Oregon and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected severe winter storms, straight-line winds, landslides, and mudslides from January 10 to January 22, 2024.
Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms, straight-line winds, landslides, and mudslides in the counties of Benton, Clackamas, Coos, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Multnomah, Sherman, Tillamook, and Wasco, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures in all areas within the state, according to a White house news release.
Ms. Yolanda J. Jackson of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
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Governor Kotek Announces President Biden Approves Major Disaster Declaration for January Winter Weather Emergency
Salem, OR — Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that President Joe Biden approved her request for a federal major disaster declaration pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Act on behalf of the State of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.
“I am grateful to President Biden for answering our call for help following the January ice and wind emergency and to our federal delegation for amplifying this critical need,” Governor Kotek said. “This opportunity for federal assistance will make a significant difference across communities that are still grappling with significant damage from the storm.”
The now approved declaration follows the January weather emergency and will provide supplemental grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program to state, tribal, local governments and certain private nonprofits for costs incurred for responding and recovering from the event.
The request announcement from the Governor and additional information about the weather emergency can be found here.
