Statement by the Press Secretary on Federal Disaster 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 area struck by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides beginning on December 1, 2007, and continuing.

Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis in the counties of Clatsop, Columbia, Lincoln, Tillamook, and Yamhill for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

R. David Paulison, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Glen R. Sachtleben as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

FEMA said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.

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