SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Gov. John Kitzhaber has asked President Barack Obama to declare a federal disaster in six Oregon counties to help them recover from winter storm damage last month.
Kitzhaber said the request is only for government infrastructure because Oregon did not meet criteria for individual assistance for homeowners.
If the declaration requested Thursday is approved, federal grants will cover 75 percent of eligible damages and costs.
Preliminary state and federal damage assessments found an estimated $7 million in eligible damage across the state from freezing rain, rain and snow during mid-January.
The governor’s request covers Clackamas, Clatsop, Crook, Douglas, Lincoln and Tillamook counties.
