Statement by the Press Secretary on Federal Assistance for Oregon

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Oregon and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the areas struck by severe winter storms on December 26, 2003, through January 14, 2004.

Federal funding is available to the State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in the counties of Baker, Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jefferson, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, and Yamhill on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storms. Federal funding is also available on a cost-share basis for hazard mitigation measures.

Representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Michael D. Brown, and Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security, named William M. Lokey as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

The Agency said that additional designations may be made later if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.