SALEM, Ore. – Oregon House Republicans sent a letter to US Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Friday, Aug. 2, in support of a federal disaster declaration to offset certain agriculture losses and damages from the wildfires.
The letter supports a request by Gov. Tina Kotek to designate the event a disaster, thereby unlocking emergency funds through conservation, hay and grazing, and livestock assistance programs. The letter also supports the governor’s request to expand grazing on federal lands and improve access to weed-free forage.
Wildfire season in Oregon has been especially severe this year, encompassing more than a million acres in Oregon, the most of any state. House Republicans joined their federal counterparts in supporting a disaster declaration.
“While our brave firefighters are still working to contain the blaze, we must begin preparing for the aftermath,” said House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich (R Hood River). “Securing a disaster declaration now can save needless delays later and unlock funding and policy so that Oregon can recover.”
The full text of the letter can be found here.