U.S. President Declares 2024 Wildfires a Major Disaster for Oregon | Daily Tidings

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U.S. President Declares 2024 Wildfires a Major Disaster for Oregon Environment Top Stories By Lucille McNamara On Jan 3, 2025 Last updated Jan 3, 2025 President Joe Biden has approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Oregon following last year’s financially crippling wildfire season.   Federal Funding Available on a Cost-Sharing Basis FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has announced that federal funding is available to Oregon to assist with the financial disaster recovery efforts. Federal funding to Grant, Gilliam, Umatilla, Wheeler, and Wasco counties is available on a cost-sharing basis to the state, local governments, non-profit organizations, and tribal communities. Funds will also be available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation programs throughout the state. FEMA has appointed Yolanda J. Jackson as the Federal Coordinating Officer for the recovery operations in the five affected Oregon counties.   Takeaways Daily Tidings reported on December 27 that the $191.5 million allocated by lawmakers was insufficient to cover the crippling financial losses of the Oregon 2024 wildfires. We also reported that Governor Tina Kotek had asked the Legislature for an additional $130 million to assist wildfire mitigation and readiness programs.   Sources & References FEMA press release – January 2, 2025 Wildfire Share Twitter Facebook ReddIt WhatsApp Pinterest Email