Areas in Oregon most affected by December’s severe storms will receive federal aid. Wednesday President Obama signed a disaster declaration releasing funds to a dozen counties hit hardest by winter weather.
December’s heavy wind and rain caused mudslides, flooding, downed trees, and even a sinkhole. This prompted Governor Kate Brown to ask for federal disaster aid. The President approved the request this week.
Cory Grogan is with Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management. He says there is about $25 million in damages which will go to those communities not able to cover costs.
Grogan: “What it’s going to allow us to do is those infrastructures that were damaged in communities it’s going to take some of the burden off those communities and their taxpayers.”
Grogan says Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Polk counties are among those who will receive federal assistance.
The disaster declaration also makes federal funds available for risk reduction projects such as burying power lines and elevating homes.