Trees, like these on Barbur Boulevard and Naito in Portland, fell across the state during the January storms, causing widespread damage. (Photo provided by Oregon Department of Transportation via Oregon Capital Chronicle)

In a rare show of unity, all eight members of Oregon’s congressional delegation urged the White House to declare a major disaster in Oregon following the devastating January ice storm that killed 17 people and pummeled much of the state.

The appeal to President Joe Biden by both Democrats and Republicans follows a formal request earlier this week by Gov. Tina Kotek on behalf of the state and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians. If approved, the declaration would unleash recovery and relief funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to the state, tribe, local governments and certain nonprofits in the 11 counties affected by the storm. Oregon’s Department of Emergency Management estimates the storm caused $48 million in infrastructure damage and cost more than 1,350 businesses $165 million in lost revenue and wages.

“The recent storm’s effects stretched from northwest Oregon, across the Portland metro area, into the Columbia River Gorge and down through the Willamette Valley. Effects of this storm have lasted from January 10, 2024 to January 22, 2024 – with temperatures remaining below freezing in several areas – and resulted in widespread damage,” wrote U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden along with U.S. Reps. Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas, Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Cliff Bentz.

Ice accumulation in Oregon during the January 2024 storm. (Image provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration via Oregon Capital Chronicle)

The storm downed trees that damaged or destroyed utility poles and lines, cutting power and internet service and damaging roadways and wastewater treatment plants. The storm also impeded emergency responders and forced elderly and medically vulnerable people to find shelter. At the height of the storm, nearly 240,000 people were without power, and some areas had no electricity for 13 days.

The storm required emergency services to whip into action, clearing debris and providing other help while requiring longer-term work, such as restoring roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings, utilities and parks and recreational facilities, Chris Crabb, spokeswoman for the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, told the Capital Chronicle.

Kotek said in her request that communities are still grappling with the storm’s impact.

“Many are still struggling to recover from severe damage to public infrastructure and property as a result of the storm, and I am resolved to ensure that Oregon can access FEMA resources that exist for this very purpose,” Kotek said.

The delegation repeated that message.

“Given the impact these storms have had on both the physical and social infrastructure throughout Oregon, we urge you and your administration to ensure the state, local, and tribal governments have all the resources they need to help Oregonians recover from this deadly natural disaster,” the congressional members said.

All of the 17 fatalities were in the 11 counties that were affected: Benton, Clackamas, Coos, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Multnomah, Tillamook, Sherman and Wasco counties. 

Crabb declined to estimate how much Oregon might receive from FEMA. She said it reimburses costs and depends on the applications.

“The goal is to meet the needs of those who apply for reimbursement,” Crabb said.

FEMA usually takes six weeks to respond, according to a news release. In the meantime, the Small Business Administration is offering low-interest loans for businesses affected by the storms. Applications are due by Nov. 8. 

Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com. Follow Oregon Capital Chronicle on Facebook and X.

Lynne Terry has more than 30 years of journalism experience, including a recent stint as editor of The Lund Report, a highly regarded health news site. She reported on health and food safety in her 18 years at The Oregonian, was a senior producer at Oregon Public Broadcasting and Paris correspondent for National Public Radio for nine years. She has won state, regional and national awards, including a National Headliner Award for a long-term care facility story and a top award from the National Association of Health Care Journalists for an investigation into government failures to protect the public from repeated salmonella outbreaks. She loves to cook and entertain, speaks French and is learning Portuguese.