January 17, 2024  3:50 a.m.

Tuesday night Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency in Lane County to support the county’s response and recovery following the severe ice storm.

A release from the Governor’s office said the declaration comes at the unanimous request of the Lane County Board of Commissioners.

Kotek said, “Lane County has suffered extensive damage as a result of the winter storm conditions that we’re seeing across Oregon”. Kotek said, “This emergency declaration will support the county in accessing critical federal resources to aid in reconstruction and recovery efforts. My office is monitoring the ongoing weather conditions and will continue to support local communities in their response and recovery efforts”.

The Lane County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency in the county on Tuesday evening, citing extensive storm impacts – including damage to infrastructure and electric utilities that early assessments show meets the threshold of a federal declaration – and ongoing severe winter conditions. The infrastructure damage spans multiple jurisdictions and public providers of special district services across Lane County.

Multnomah County, Lincoln County, Washington County, Hood River County and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians have also each declared a local state of emergency and are receiving support from the state.

A full list warming shelters across the state can be found: https://www.211info.org/winter-and-severe-weather-shelters/