OREGON GOV. KITZHABER REQUESTS FEDERAL DISASTER DECLARATION FOR JANUARY WINTER STORM

SALEM, Ore—Gov. John Kitzhaber today asked President Obama to declare a federal disaster in six Oregon Counties due to facility damage and emergency response costs resulting from winter storm that occurred from January 11 through 14. The Governor is asking for a public assistance declaration for government infrastructure only. Oregon did not meet the criteria for an individual assistance declaration for primary homes.

If the declaration is approved, FEMA grants defray 75 per cent of eligible damages and costs. Preliminary state and federal damage assessments found an estimated $7 million in eligible damage across the state from a series of "freezing rain, rain and snow" according to the governor.

Kitzhaber further explained that "the series of weather-related events triggered by the storms of mid-January left damage to our state's infrastructure, especially to roads and utilities. In addition, state and local agencies incurred extraordinary costs to pay for emergency actions to protect critical infrastructure."

The governor's request seeks federal disaster aid Clackamas, Clatsop, Crook, Douglas, Lincoln and Tillamook Counties.

"Because state emergency management and federal emergency officials have worked in close partnership on this request, I am confident it will receive prompt and thorough consideration by President Obama and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)," said B.G. Mike Caldwell, interim director of Oregon Emergency Management (OEM).