Federal Disaster Relief Approved for Southern Oregon Flooding Recovery

Strategic Insights -

After devastating flooding and severe weather events struck Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties in March 2025, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has granted Oregon Governor Tina Kotek's request for a Major Disaster Declaration. Representatives Val Hoyle, Ron Wyden, and Jeff Merkley welcome this decision, which will provide federal funding for state, local, and Tribal governments to help communities recover from the disaster.

Key Takeaways:

  • The approved Major Disaster Declaration provides federal funding for state, local, and Tribal governments to address damages sustained from flooding, landslides, mudslides, and other impacts during the storms in Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties.
  • The funding is available on a cost-sharing basis to provide relief to eligible individuals and households in the affected counties.
  • The White House is still reviewing the Oregon lawmakers' request to make the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) available to help communities in the three counties rebuild in a way that mitigates future disaster losses.
  • FEMA denied Governor Kotek's Major Disaster Declaration request to provide support to eligible individuals and households in Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties through the Individual Assistance (IA) program.
  • Representatives Merkley and Wyden had requested federal assistance for Harney County's recovery from the historic flooding, but FEMA concluded that the damages do not meet its threshold for a Major Disaster Declaration.
  • The Oregon lawmakers, Hoyle, Wyden, and Merkley, have expressed their gratitude to President Trump for approving the Major Disaster Declaration in Public Assistance (PA) for Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties.

Statistics:

  • The severe flooding and weather events in March 2025 affected multiple counties, including Coos, Curry, and Douglas, as well as Eastern Oregon.
  • Three rivers reached major flood levels during the event.
  • Wind gusts of over 45 miles per hour caused power outages and blocked roads.
  • The President granted federal aid for Public Assistance (PA) for Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties.
  • FEMA has denied the request for Individual Assistance (IA) program support for eligible individuals and households in the three counties.

Sources:

  • Hoyle, R. (2025, July 29). Hoyle, Wyden, Merkley: Federal Disaster Relief Coming to Southern Oregon Flooding Recovery.
  • Hoyle.house.gov/media/press-releases/hoyle-wyden-merkley-federal-disaster-relief-coming-to-southern-oregon-flooding-recovery