Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has announced that President Joe Biden approved her request for a federal major disaster declaration because of the severe January 2024 winter storm that caused extensive damage across the state.
“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,” Kotek said in the April 4 announcement. “This opportunity for federal assistance will make a significant difference across communities that are still grappling with significant damage from the storm.”
The request was made on behalf of the State of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians. Its approval 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.
Among other things, the storm toppled thousands of large trees that damaged homes and businesses, and burst water pipes that caused extensive flooding when they thawed.
In her March 13 letter to Biden, Kotek said the snow and ice storm killed 17 Oregonians, knocked out power to 238,900 people for up to 13 or more days, and caused $165 million in economic losses to 1,355 small businesses. The Preliminary Public Assistance Damage Assessment across all impacted communities is $48.4 million, the letter said.
“I am asking President Biden and the federal government to provide relief to Oregon communities and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians that have been grappling with short and long-term impacts of the January winter storm. Many are still struggling to recover from severe damage to public infrastructure and property as a result of the storm, and I am resolved to ensure that Oregon can access FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency] resources that exist for this very purpose,” Kotek said in a March 13 release.
The storm previously prompted Kotek to declare a state of emergency including Benton, Clackamas, Coos, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Multnomah, Sherman, Tillamook and Wasco counties, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.
According to the declaration, they experienced the following damages and impacts: downed trees and limbs, which damaged or destroyed overhead utility poles and lines, resulting in power, communication, and internet outages; power-related impacts to roadways and wastewater treatment facilities, impacts to travel and the ability to conduct emergency responses; costs associated with emergency response; and mass sheltering for medically fragile, older adults and isolated persons without power.
In response to the storm, Kotek’s office and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management have been working with impacted counties across the state to assess damages and potential resources available based on those assessments.
“Today’s declaration request is the next step in advancing Oregon’s recovery from the storm,” the release said.
In February, the U.S. Small Business Administration made low-interest federal disaster loans for businesses impacted by the storm available. Applications are due by Nov. 8. Applications can be submitted at sba.gov/disaster .
Most Popular
Comments / 0