Letter to President George W. Bush
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D. C. 20500
Through:
John Pennington
Regional Director
FEMA Region 10
th 130228 St. S.W.
Bothell, W A 98021
Dear Mr. President:
Under the provisions of Section 401 of the Ro bert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5206 Stafford Act), and implemented by 44 CFR § 206.36, I request that you declare an Emergency Declaration for the State of Oregon as a result of Hurricane Katrina evacuations beginning on September 2 and continuing. All counties and cities within the State 0f Oregon have been affected by this event.
In response to the situation, I have taken aappropriate action under State law and directed the execution of the State Emergency Plan of September 2, 2005, in accordance with Section 401 of the Stafford Act.
:
I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and the affected local governments and that supplementary federal assistance is necessary. I am specifically
requesting 100% federal assistance for the accomplishments of emergency protective measures (C~tegory B) under the Public Assistance program and 100% direct federal assistance.
The following information is furnished on the nature and amount of State and local resources that have been or will be used to alleviate the conditions of this disaster:
The American Red Cross, Oregon Trail Chapter, state agencies, Multnomah County and the City of Portland are preparing to receive 1,000 evacuees in Portland, Oregon. Their health, safety and security needs are being arranged, as well as comfort
items for the individuals. The Portland School District will be housing the evacuees, and is working with state and local agencies on immediate needs and long term care planning.
The Red Cross, along with their corporate partners will be arranging to meet needs such as clothing, monetary donations as well as other identified immediate needs.
Northwest Medical Teams has offered to coordinate with governmental agencies to coordinate long tenn private housing for individ s, as well as provide medical and dental care. Northwest Medical Teams has also offi ed to supply the American Red
Cross with personal hygiene and comfort items that ey have in the Portland area. They have also offered 2,000 to 3,000 square feet of space to house donated material made in support of this program.
I am unaware of the efforts and resources of othet federal agencies, which have been or will be used in responding to this request. I
I understand that all eligible costs incurred by State and local governments for this emergency will be funded 100% by the federal government.
I request direct federal assistance for work and s .ces to care for the evacuees from various States that have been directly impacted by H 'cane Katrina. Although Oregon State agencies and local governments should be able 0 perform or contract for the performance of most of the emergency work, I antici ate that direct federal assistance may be required to address some of the requirements In accordance with 44 CFR part 206.208, the Sta~e of Oregon agrees that it will, with respect to direct federal assistance: I
1. Provide without cost to the United States all funds, easement, and rights-or-ways necessary to accomplish the approved work. I
2. Hold and save theUnited States free from damages due to the requested work, and shall indemnify the federal government against any claims arising from such work to extend allowed under Oregon Law;
3. Assist the performing federal agency in all support and local jurisdictional matters. ,
I have designated Abby Kershaw as the State Coodinating Officer for this request. She will work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on my behalf.
TRK:ak:dps
http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/pdf/letters/bush0905.pdf