PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Federal disaster assistance is now available to Oregon communities hit by a powerful round of winter weather that brought severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides from Dec. 15-21, 2025.
FEMA announced on April 11 that President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Oregon to supplement recovery efforts in the affected areas.
A landslide forced the closure of the Historic Columbia River Highway on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, as rain pounded the region. (Corry Young/KATU)
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Public Assistance federal funding will be available on a cost-sharing basis to the state, tribal and eligible local governments, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations.
ODOT crews flew a drone over a massive landslide in Lincoln City near Siletz which closed highway 229 in December 2025 to get an idea of the extent of the damage. (Courtesy: ODOT, Dec. 12, 2025)
The funding can be used for emergency work and for the repair and replacement of facilities damaged by the storms and related impacts, the announcement stated.
The declaration covers Clackamas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Polk, Tillamook, Union and Yamhill counties.
KATU News reached out to different counties and FEMA for clarification on how affected Oregon residents can benefit from the financial assistance, awaiting response.
FEMA said additional designations may be made later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
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