Governor Kate Brown Statement on Oregon Receiving More Federal Dollars for Disaster Recovery

Statement

Governor Kate Brown today issued the following statement on FEMA's announcement that President Biden has authorized an increase, from 75% to 100%, in federal funds that Oregon will receive for public assistance projects related to last year's historic wildfire season:

"I am incredibly pleased that Oregon will be receiving additional federal funding to support our efforts to help our communities recover from last year's devastating wildfires," said Governor Brown. "These resources will provide financial relief for critical recovery services like debris removal and individual public assistance.

"I would like to thank our incredible partners in the White House and at FEMA for making these additional funds possible. Their support and collaboration reflects the importance of devoting resources to help Oregon communities not only recover from last year's wildfires, but also to build back stronger."

Federal funding for 2020 fires was originally available for public assistance, hazard mitigation, and other needs assistance at 75% of the total eligible costs. Under the President's order, the federal share for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, has been increased to 100% of the total eligible costs for a continuous period of 30 days established by the state.

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management will work closely with partner state agencies and local governments to determine the optimal 30-day period in which the most FEMA-eligible costs were incurred to ensure federal funding is maximized. Once that date is determined, all previously reimbursed FEMA costs for that period will be reimbursed for the full 100% total cost.

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