Presidential Disaster Declaration for Oregon, April 7

The President has declared a disaster declaration for Oregon to help recover from damage caused by the Severe Winter Storm in February 2014. FEMA is providing financial assistance for emergency work, and repairs or replacement of public infrastructure in Benton, Lane, Lincoln and Linn counties.  The majority of the damages were to public utilities as a result of snow, ice, winds and flooding in the affected counties. The Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will continue to work closely with the affected counties during the recovery process that will include mitigation efforts against future disasters.  The Presidential Declaration triggers release of Federal funds and activates assistance programs. OEM will coordinate between the affected public infrastructures owners, counties and FEMA, OEM Director Dave Stuckey said.