Governor Requests FEMA Relief Funds For Oregon Flooding Disaster

The funds would help repair roads and other damages to public property.

Photo: Tim King

(SALEM) - Governor Kulongoski Monday requested through the Federal Emergency Management Agency that President Bush declare a disaster in Lincoln, Tillamook, Clatsop and Hood River counties as a result of November's massive flooding. "When the floods hit our counties last month, state and local governments responded with great professionalism and urgency to ensure the safety of our citizens and minimize damage to our communities," Governor Ted Kulongoski said. "Given the amount of damage, we need the federal government to partner with us so our communities can begin to rebuild their homes, businesses and roads, and to help us mitigate damage from future flooding or other natural disasters." FEMA and the Oregon Office of Emergency Management conducted a joint preliminary damage assessment in the four counties during the last week in November and estimated damages to be over $6,000,000. Federal Public Law 93-288 requires that public entities filing applications for disaster relief must accept responsibility for 25 percent of the loss. Governor Kulongoski also announced that he is requesting that the Small Business Administration declare a Physical Disaster Declaration for Tillamook County, which would make low interest loans available for homeowners and businesses that suffered damages. A decision from FEMA is expected over the next several weeks.