In a move that signals federal support, President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster in Oregon, paving the way for an influx of federal funds to aid in the recovery from catastrophic weather that ravaged the state earlier this year. According to a FEMA announcement, Oregon is slated to receive federal assistance to help rebuild and recover from severe storms, straight-line winds, as well as landslides and mudslides that occurred between January 10 and January 22.
The provided funds will assist not only state and tribal efforts but also support eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations sharing costs; emergency work along with repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the natural disasters will be the priority in the affected counties, Benton, Clackamas, Coos, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Multnomah, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians need to rebuild and federal funding will also encompass hazard mitigation measures statewide, boosting resilience against future calamities.
Yolanda J. Jackson steps into the role of Federal Coordinating Officer overseeing the federal recovery operations in the impacted regions. And while this initial declaration marks significant aid, there remains the possibility for additional designations that could provide further support if the ongoing assessments reveal deeper needs within the aforestated communities.
This disaster declaration, which could be seen as a testament to the current administration's commitment to supporting American communities in distress, signifies that the affected Oregonians will not face the aftermath of the January storms alone; with recovery a costly and often arduous journey, the federal resources promise that they will have the necessary backing to reconstruct infrastructure, homes, and lives wherever the disasters have left their mark and the residents, having witnessed the force of nature's fury, now have the means through federal assistance to mend what was broken and safeguard against the threats yet loomed on the horizon.
