Contact: Linda Cook, Lane County Emergency Management, 541-682-6744

The Lane County Board of Commissioners adopted an order for Emergency Declaration in Lane County.

This 4-0 vote, with Commissioner Sorenson excused, came early this afternoon following several recent developments related to storms in Lane County. 

Oregon Emergency Management officials contacted Lane County Emergency Management to inform that the Governor’s Office would be amending an earlier disaster declaration on Monday to include more counties hard hit by the storm event. Today’s action ensures that Lane County is included in the State’s list of declared counties and opens the door for Lane County to participate in the Joint Damage Assessment that includes local, state, and federal representatives working together to further investigate damages.

Additionally, very early damage assessments show more than $900,000 in public infrastructure damages and more than 100 homes and several businesses having sustained at last minor to moderate damage. Lane County continues to work with public agencies to tally damages and encourages community members and business owners to continue to report initial damages.

Please Report Storm Damages Incurred Since January 17. Report damages online at www.lanecounty.org/damages or call the Sheriff’s Office Phone Bank at 541-682-3977

Noon – 8 p.m., each day through Sunday, January 29.

Online reports have already come from those affected in Cheshire, Deadwood, Cottage Grove, Florence, Eugene, Mapleton, Junction City, Springfield, Veneta, Vida, Swisshome, and West Lake.

County officials will continue to collect initial damage assessments, with a summary report provided to the State on Monday.

Should the storm damages in Lane County not meet the requirements for federal assistance, Lane County’s participation in this process contributes to the statewide assessment.

Lane County was able to respond to the emergency while not exceeding resource levels. However, recovery efforts could exceed local ability to respond and continued participation in the assessment process will allow Lane County and its residents to be potentially eligible for federal reimbursement to address storm damages.

The Board Order was immediately forwarded to the Governor’s Office following today’s action.

Amber Fossen

Public Information Officer

Lane County Government

125 E. Eighth Ave.

Eugene, Oregon 97401

541.682.3718

541.359.9143 (cell)

www.lanecounty.org

www.facebook.com/LaneCountyGovernment