Oregon Congress members urge White House to approve FEMA request for floods

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Members of the U.S. Congress representing Oregon are urging for approval of Governor Tina Kotek’s FEMA funding request after devasting floods hit Harney County and other counties in March.

Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and Representative Val Hoyle are asking the federal government to approve the Major Disaster Declaration.

In a joint statement to President Donald Trump, the lawmakers said the FEMA funding is necessary after communities were severely damaged in Coos, Curry, Douglas and Harney counties from March 13-20. The flooding happened when warm rains, rapid snowmelt, runoff, erosion and other weather events flooded three rivers, with wind gusts causing power outages and block roads.

“We encourage your administration to deliver the tools needed to protect lives, restore order, and families back on their feet,” the joint statement said. “Oregon has demonstrated its ability to successfully use federal disaster dollars in the past, and we are confident they will be effective and efficient with funds from FEMA should they be provided for this disaster as well.

They’re also urging the White House to make the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program available to help rural communities rebuild in a way that prevents future disaster losses.