Kotek: Devastation remains from Harney County flooding

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — In a special Eye on Northwest Politics this week, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek discussed everything from how President Trump’s tariffs and executive orders affect the state, to her agenda on homelessness and education in the legislature.

But the governor also touched on how major flooding inundated Harney County and the Burns Paiute Reservation, prompting her to declare a state of emergency on March 31.

The damage from the floods destroyed homes, local businesses and parts of the infrastructure in the city of Burns, with costs estimated to be in the millions.

The governor noted that, although evacuation orders have been lifted, there’s a lot of devastation left behind. So she discussed how the legislature intends to help these communities moving forward.

You can also catch KOIN 6’s full exclusive interview with Gov. Kotek airing Sunday, April 27 on KOIN+