Federal Disaster Declaration UPDATE

On September 15, 2020, President Donald J. Trump granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Oregon triggering the release of Federal funds to help people and communities recover from Wildfires and Straight-line Winds that began September 7, 2020, and continuing. This disaster declaration has been amended in October so that counties previously only assigned Federal assistance for Categories A – B (covering Emergency Protective Measures & Public Assistance, including Lane County) have had their Disaster Declaration status updated to include “Permanent Work” which is categorized as C – G.

This is a HUGE DEAL!!!

This updated declaration means the McKenzie Valley will get federal support for repairing, rebuilding, and updating our Roads, Bridges, Parks, Water Facilities, Utilities & Public Buildings. Wondered why you pay taxes? This is why! This assistance will be essential as we look to build back our communities.

What the Heck this means explained:

• [Category A] already designated for Emergency Protective Measures
• [Category B] including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance
  program.)
• [Categories C-G] Permanent Work

A Bit More Detail on the Jargon:

Individual Assistance (IA): (Assistance to individuals and households):

IA-Designated Counties: Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion Counties.

Public Assistance (PA): Assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities):

PA-Designated Counties: Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln,
Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, and Yamhill Counties for emergency protective measures
(Category B), including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.

Hazard Mitigation (HM): (Assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards):

HM-Designated Areas: All areas in the State of Oregon are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Individuals in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion Counties can register with FEMA the following ways:

• Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Constituents may call the registration phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).