Salem, Oregon- In response to the destructive storms that swept through Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, and Tillamook counties last month, Governor Tina Kotek has declared a state of emergency.
Executive Order 24-01, issued yesterday, directs the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to provide vital assistance and seek federal resources for the repair and reconstruction of damages to the federal aid highway system in the affected counties.
The emergency declaration follows a comprehensive damage assessment, confirming federal program eligibility and expediting the process to receive crucial resources. Governor Kotek expressed gratitude to local leaders, service providers, and state agency personnel for their swift assessment of the damage and immediate aid to vulnerable community members.
Beginning on December 1, 2023, and lasting through December 12, 2023, the storms unleashed heavy rain, landslides, and erosion, resulting in critical transportation failures. Miami Foley and Sandlake roads in Tillamook County collapsed, and State Highway 101 and 26 faced temporary closures due to flooding. State highways across these counties suffered extensive damage, including scour, washouts, debris flows, and mudslides.
The state of emergency declaration empowers ODOT to seek federal resources, providing a crucial lifeline for the long-term recovery effort in the affected regions.
Source: State of Oregon
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