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Oakridge Preps To Get Ahead Of Punishing Winter Storms

ODOT

Last February’s heavy snowstorm disrupted many communities across Lane County, including the city of Oakridge. Thousands of downed trees closed Highway 58 for almost a week.  Residents also coped with power outages and a stuck train.

Oakridge Mayor Kathy Holston says looking ahead to this coming winter, she and other city leaders have established an emergency preparedness plan.

Credit Brian Bull / KLCC
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KLCC
Oakridge mayor, Kathy Holston.

”We’ve identified areas that we need to add facilities and equipment to," she tells KLCC. 

"Because we qualify for FEMA funds, there’s a grant coming up that we can get money for new generators and refurbish some of our buildings.”

A city administrator says Oakridge is pursuing federal money and scraping up any available city funds for critical needs. Officials hope to hear within a month’s time on their request.  If FEMA approves, they will receive $18,000.

Copyright 2019, KLCC.

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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