Oregon – Governor Tina Kotek recently announced that President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for the State of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians. This approval comes in response to the severe weather events that struck the region in January, specifically the ice and wind emergency that caused considerable damage across several communities.
“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,” said Governor Kotek. “This opportunity for federal assistance will make a significant difference across communities that are still grappling with significant damage from the storm.”
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The declaration will activate financial aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program. This program is designed to support state, tribal, and local governments, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations. The funds provided will help cover the costs incurred during the emergency response and recovery processes.
The approval is based on the Robert T. Stafford Act, which allows for federal natural disaster assistance for state and local governments. The decision to grant this declaration followed a thorough review of the damages and impacts caused by the January weather conditions.
More information about the disaster and the assistance available can be found here. This support from the federal government is crucial for the ongoing recovery efforts and highlights the collaborative effort between state and federal agencies to mitigate the effects of natural disasters.