Oregon Appeals FEMA Decision to Deny Storm Mitigation Funds After $15.4 Million in Damage

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has instructed the Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to appeal a federal decision not to provide funding for statewide hazard mitigation following the severe storms in December 2025.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has decided not to fund projects to curtail future storm damage, and

has given Kotek 30 days in which to appeal.

Damages Are Estimated at $15.4 Million – Tillamook County is the Hardest-Hit

A preliminary damage assessment identified more than $15.4 million in public infrastructure damage, with Tillamook County experiencing the highest per‑capita impact at $154.29 per person.

Earlier this month, FEMA granted Oregon Public Assistance funding for the nine counties, where severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides resulted in the major disaster declaration.

On April 7, 2026, FEMA authorized Public Assistance for Clackamas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Polk, Tillamook, Union, and Yamhill Counties.

The Lack of Hazard Mitigation Funding Leaves Oregon Exposed to Long-Term Risk

However, denying hazard mitigation funding leaves a significant gap in Oregon’s ability to reduce long-term risk and strengthen community resilience.

OEM Director Erin McMahon states that mitigation funding is essential to protect infrastructure, safeguard lives, and support long-term resilience.

Second Time in a Year That Mitigation Funding is Refused

This is the second time in the past year that a major disaster declaration has been approved without mitigation funding, a historically unusual move, according to the OEM.

“It was previously thought that mitigating future repeats of the same disaster was a prudent cost-saving measure,” states OEM in a press release.

Also, for the first time, Oregon did not receive any FY25 funding (federal fiscal year October 2024 to September 2025) for post-fire mitigation work. This funding is traditionally made available alongside Fire Management Assistance Grants.

FEMA has not clarified the reason for this change, merely stating that the program is under broader review.

FEMA Has Admitted That Mitigation Funding is Cost-Effective

By FEMA’s own admission, hazard mitigation saves $6 in future disaster costs for every $1 invested.

Power to the homes of more than 300,000 Oregonians was lost during the height of the storms. The atmospheric river caused the closure of numerous highways and interstates, and one resident in Yamhill County died as a result of the storms.

For more information on Oregon’s disaster recovery efforts and emergency preparedness resources, visit: Oregon.gov/OEM.