Oregon Governor Seeks FEMA Funding For 2024 Wildfire Season
Following the state’s State of Emergency declaration on July 12, Oregon Governor, Tina Kotek, has now requested the Biden administration to declare a federal state of emergency following 2024’s devastating wildfire season.
The funds would be applied to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program to help those affected by wildfires that occurred between July 10 and September 7, this year.
Oregon Wildfires Present Long-Term Challenges
A statement from Gov. Kotek confirms that a record 1.9 million acres burned during the 2024 wildfire season, around triple Oregon’s 10-year season average of 640,000 acres.
Critical resources for livestock were lost in Eastern Oregon as fires decimated at least 42 homes and 132 other structures, causing massive disruptions to transportation, utility infrastructure, and social services.
The destruction has left long-term challenges in restoring the land and significant lost business revenue.
Gov. Tina Kotek Seeks Federal State Of Emergency Status For 2024 Wildfires
In response to the devastating 2024 wildfire season in Oregon, Governor Kotek wrote to President Joe Biden with a request to issue a federal major disaster declaration.
The declaration would supplement grants for state public assistance programs, tribal and local governments, and several non-profit organizations.
Areas significantly affected by the wildfires- specifically six Oregon counties near The Dalles, have been identified to benefit from FEMA funding:
- Wasco County
- Jefferson County
- Wheeler County
- Grant County
- Umatilla County
- Gilliam County
In her letter, Governor Kotek also asked Biden to waive Oregon’s share of the cost for emergency work in response to the disaster.
Oregon state funding is insufficient to reimburse community responses because of the expense and the magnitude of state resources deployed over the wildfire season.
After states submit a request for a federal major disaster declaration, the waiting period is generally around six weeks.