Trump approves FEMA funds for flood-hit Oregon communities
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Four months after Oregon Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency in response to the floods that swept through southern Oregon, federal disaster assistance is finally available.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that President Trump approved the disaster declaration. The decision makes federal funds available to help rebuild Oregon communities hit hardest by flooding in March.
“With limited state and local capacity, federal resources are essential to help communities impacted by disaster to recover and prevent future devastation,” Governor Kotek said in a statement.
"Oregonians are resilient and inspiring. FEMA stepping up to support our recovery efforts is much appreciated. I want to thank President Trump and everyone who advocated to make this declaration a reality," she added.
The historic floods began in southwest Oregon on March 16 and lasted for one week. They resulted in landslides, power outages and numerous rescues across Coos, Curry, Douglas and Harney counties.
FEMA's announcement comes after months of uncertainty about the availability of funds and the future of the agency. As early as March, the governor began voicing concerns about the availability of disaster funds.
In May, Governor Kotek issued a Presidential Disaster Declaration, which sought public assistance to repair roads, public buildings and utilities, as well as individual assistance to support families displaced by flood damage. It will also go toward a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to support long-term flood protection.
Less than a month later, President Trump once again said he wanted to scale back FEMA.
"We want to wean off of FEMA and we want to bring it down to the state level — a little bit like education, we're moving it back to the states," President Trump said on June 10.
The governor's request for funding included Coos, Curry, Douglas and Harney counties. Harney county was not included in the federal declaration made Wednesday, though the Oregon legislature approved special funds in its most recent session to address the impact of the floods in Burns and Harney counties.
Following FEMA's announcement that funds will be available to aid southern Oregon in flood recovery, Rep. Cliff Bentz shared May 22 letter sent to FEMA Region 10 Director Vincent Maykovich.
"This disaster resulted in damage that far exceeds what these rural counties can bear alone," Rep. Bentz said in the letter. "It is essential to note that this figure reflects only validated damage and does not yet include longterm recovery needs, environmental hazards, and the socio-economic toll on these vulnerable communities."