May 27, 2025 2:50 a.m.

Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, alongside U.S. Representative Val Hoyle are calling for swift approval of Governor Tina Kotek’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

A joint release said the push comes in response to devastating flood and other damaging weather-related events that severely impacted Coos, Curry, Douglas and Harney counties in March.

In a letter to President Donald Trump, the lawmakers said, “Given the extent of the damage to both physical and social infrastructure across four counties, we urge you and your administration to act swiftly to ensure that State and Local governments have all the federal resources they need to recover and rebuild”.

The wide-ranging weather triggered several incidents from the south coast to eastern Oregon between March 13th and 20th, as warm rains led to rapid snowmelt that contributed to severe runoff and erosion. Three rivers reached major flood levels, and wind gusts of over 45 miles per hour caused power outages and blocked roads.

The lawmakers stressed, “Local leaders, first responders, volunteers, and neighbors stepped up heroically to protect lives and begin recovery efforts across Coos, Curry, Douglas and Harney Counties. These are close-knit, self-reliant communities that have banded together to recover from these severe weather events and support one another.” The letter concluded, “We encourage your administration to deliver the tools needed to protect lives, restore order, and get families back on their feet”.

The letter from lawmakers also asked FEMA to provide support to eligible individuals and households in the four counties affected by the disaster from the Individual Assistance program.

The full text of the letter can be found at: 25.05.23-LTR-MDD-for-Coos-Curry-Douglas-and-Harney-FEMA.pdf