President Declares Disaster in Oregon for 2014 Winter Storm

According to the declaration, additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

(WASHINGTON DC) - 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.

"The State and FEMA will be working with counties to assist with the recovery efforts," Stuckey explained.

According to the declaration, additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments. Federal funding will be available to utilities and other impacted entities to develop and implement projects focusing on the reduction of future risk.

Declarations make federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities. Funding is also available for projects involving hazard mitigation.

OEM coordinates the State Hazard Mitigation Program to assist in preventing or reducing long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

"FEMA and OEM will work together to administer the funding, and expects to open a Joint Field Office in Salem next week" said Stuckey.

http://www.oregon.gov/OMD/OEM/pages/index.aspx