SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon’s governor has asked President Barack Obama to issue a disaster declaration for a coastal county ravaged by a tsunami this month.
Gov. John Kitzhaber made the request on Monday for Curry County on Oregon’s southern coast. A presidential disaster declaration would open the door for federal assistance.
Kitzhaber says disaster teams estimated there was $6.7 million in damage to the Port of Brookings-Harbor. Officials say that’s enough to trigger federal aid.
The March 11 earthquake in Japan sparked a tsunami that sent water surging into the port, buckling docks and sinking boats.
Kitzhaber says the Oregon Business Development Commission has identified a $40,000 grant for engineering expenses and a $500,000 grant to be used with future federal funding for port reconstruction.
