In recognition of Oregon’s missing children and adults, the Oregon State Police (OSP) are holding a Child Safety Event on May 25 at the Oregon State Capitol Park. The Oregon State Police Criminal Detectives, the Warm Springs Tribal Police Chief, and the Forensic Anthropologist will be on hand from 11am to 2pm to shine a light on child safety and Oregon’s missing children and adults in recognition of National Missing Children’s Day.

OSP will have information on Oregon’s Missing Children, Oregon’s statewide school safety tip line, information on how to keep your children safe, pick up your free child identification kit. This is how people can help.

The National Missing Children’s Day (May 25) was proclaimed by former President Ronald Reagan in 1983, in memory of Etan Patz, a 6- year-old boy who disappeared from a New York City street corner on May 25, 1979.

Unfortunately, each year, the need to highlight this important day only grows.

National Missing Children’s Day is dedicated to encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers, and others concerned with the well- being of children to make all children’s safety a priority.

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It is important to acknowledge those indigenous children and adults who are currently missing, in hopes of shining a brighter light onto the anguish all families endure when a loved one is unaccounted for or endangered.

The commemoration serves as a reminder to continue our efforts to reunite all missing children with their families and an occasion to honor those dedicated to the cause of resolving the unresolved.

Hope is symbolized in the blue flower of the Forget-Me-Not as a commitment and promise to keep searching.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-05-19 10:27:22

Last Update: 2022-05-19 15:50:16

As part of their quarterly economic forecast, Oregon’s economists project that Oregon budgets will have big surpluses, much of which will be returned to taxpayers, because of the Kicker law, based on how much in taxes they paid in.

Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem) said, “Oregon clearly has one tough economy. Our forecast is up for the eighth time in a row. We have to be careful. Experts are seeing storm clouds on the horizon. Oregon has done a good job saving. We’ll keep moving forward.”

“Thanks to the Kicker, Oregonians will get some of their taxes back and with it, a much-needed break from the increasing burden of inflation,” Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend) said. “The Kicker continues to act as a check against the Democrat’s continuous urge to blow out the spending. Now, more than ever, it's essential to protect the Kicker. Too much spending got us into this inflation mess, it’s not going to get us out.

Knopp warned, “As of now, we have extra money, but our economists are predicting an economic downturn soon. We must budget wisely for the future.”

Governor Kate Brown said, “Today’s revenue forecast indicates that we are continuing to see strength in Oregon’s economy as we round the curve to recovery from the pandemic. Strong state revenues, coupled with an unemployment rate that is back down to pre-pandemic levels, should be welcome news for Oregonians.”

“However,” she continued, “I know that not all Oregonians are feeling these positive effects, especially given rising costs of living. The good news is that the continued strength in the economy will allow the legislature to look at additional one-time investments in the coming budget cycle—like those we’ve recently made in housing, behavioral health, and child care—to further spur growth and support working families, so that all Oregonians see and feel the benefits of our economic bounce back.

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Oregon House Speaker Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis) said “I’m pleased by the continued strength of Oregon’s economy. Two months ago, we used a boost in additional revenue to make critical one-time investments in all corners of the state to address housing affordability and homelessness, keep our kids in school, support working families dealing with increased living costs, and much more to move Oregon forward. We have continued to navigate unprecedented times and lead the state in a responsible, measured way.

Rayfield continued, “While this is welcome news, we must continue planning for the future. Thanks to years of prudent budget management, Oregon has historic reserves and is in a great position to maintain services in future budget cycles. And while many of our highest earners continue to do well, I recognize the continued challenges many Oregonians face because of ongoing inflation and believe we need to address the growing wealth divide.

“Our work will continue to focus on supporting Oregonians who are struggling and building an economy that works for all working families and small businesses,” Rayfield concluded.

Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) said, “Oregon is an economic powerhouse - leading the nation on the road to recovery. With this strong forecast we will continue to save for a rainy day and invest in families working to pay for rent, paying for prescription drug costs and childcare.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-05-18 11:20:17

Last Update: 2022-05-18 11:37:15

Governor Kate Brown today provided an update on the state’s ongoing interagency work to prepare for wildfire season across Oregon. She was joined by State Forester Cal Mukumoto, Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Chief Mike Shaw, Oregon State Deputy Fire Marshal Travis Medema, Adjutant General Michael Stencel, Oregon Office of Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps, and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Deputy Director Leah Feldon.

“All signs point to a difficult 2022 fire season that will challenge our firefighting teams and the capacity of our response systems,” said Governor Brown. “The good news is that Oregon has one of the best wildfire response systems in the country. We continue to lead the nation in this space, improving even further as investments from SB 762 have already allowed us to add both seasonal firefighter capacity to our ranks and additional aviation assets.

Federal officials are reporting snowpack levels above normal.

“Today we are asking all Oregonians to do their part in order to prevent and prepare for wildfires. Being prepared can truly mean the difference between life and death. It is also one of the best ways you can help our frontline firefighters do their jobs. Make a plan with your family, stay informed, and get 2 Weeks Ready. And please, be smart and be careful when you’re enjoying our outdoors. You can help prevent tragic loss.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-05-18 07:40:25

Last Update: 2022-05-17 17:45:42

Despite assurances that a printing defect on some of the ballots that does not allow them to be scanned would not delay counting for the primary election, Clackamas County has yet to release results. Clackamas County is reporting that of 306,231 ballots sent, 65,646 have been returned, or 21.4%, which is in line with similar counties.

In a press release at nearly 10:00pm on election night, Shemia Fagan began damage control and deflection.

"As Oregon's chief election officer -- and a Clackamas County voter -- I am deeply concerned about the delay in reporting from Clackamas County Elections tonight. While I am confident that the process they are following is secure, transparent and the results will be accurate, the county's reporting delays tonight are unacceptable. Voters have done their jobs, and now it's time for Clackamas County Elections to do theirs.

"In recent days, my office and other counties have offered extra personnel to help with timely reporting. We eagerly await a response from county elections officials on how we can aid in the timely processing of results. I am disappointed that we have not seen more urgency from elections officials in Clackamas County."

Secretary Fagan has made a point of combatting misinformation in the face of increased election scrutiny.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-05-18 07:20:03

Last Update: 2022-05-18 07:47:46

Electric vehicle charging is coming to the Oregon State Park system. Starting this summer and over the next year, Level 2 EV chargers will be installed in selected state parks as part of a pilot project created by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the nonprofit Adopt a Charger. The agreement between OPRD and AAC allows fundraising and donations to cover the installation of the chargers and includes an option for the electricity costs to be sponsored by a donor for up to three years.

Legislation passed in 2021, HB 2290 and sponsored by State Representative Marty Wilde (D-Eugene), directs OPRD to allow planning and installation of public EV charging stations in parking spaces at state parks. The OPRD and AAC agreement reflects the intent and direction outlined in the legislation.

Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer and automotive technology company, is working with AAC to donate the installation design, construction costs and EV chargers as part of its Rivian Waypoints charging network. Rivian Waypoints can provide up to 25 miles of range every hour of charging and are equipped with a J1772 plug, making them compatible with every electric vehicle on the market. In addition, Entec Polymers has offered to sponsor the cost of electricity through its partnership with AAC for a limited time.

“Beyond helping reduce global and local pollution, including greenhouse gasses, state parks need to be accessible to everyone,” said Lisa Sumption, OPRD Director. “Looking ahead, electric vehicles will become more and more common, and rather than wait for someone else to fill all the charging gaps, we want to do our part.”

“I can think of no better way to commemorate 100 years of state park service in 2022 than to set up us up to serve people even better for the next hundred, and am grateful to the donors for making it happen,” Sumption added.

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“The AAC goal is to introduce zero emission tourism in Oregon, and inspire visitors of all ages to consider the impact of their decisions on the environment,” said Kitty Adams Hoksbergen, executive director of AAC. “I am grateful to everyone at OPRD for proactively planning and offering EV charging at state parks, and to Rivian for their generosity in making it happen. Thanks to Entec for sponsoring the electrical usage so EV motorists can charge their vehicles fee-free during the pilot.”

“OPRD’s commitment to service is a principle we share and look forward to contributing to in this pilot,” said Trent Warnke, Senior Director of Energy and Charging Solutions at Rivian. “For Rivian, electrifying adventure is something we’re inspired to do thoughtfully, especially when working off the beaten path.”

"Giving back to the community is embedded in Entec Polymers’ DNA, and sustainability has always been a large part of what we do and who we are," said Steve Tomaszewski, Senior Vice President & General Manager. "Partnering with Adopt a Charger and Rivian to support EV charging stations at Oregon State Parks allows us to advance the electrification of transportation and to make a difference in the communities that we serve."

The tentative list of the pilot project sites:

• L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
• Banks-Vernonia State Trail
• Rooster Rock State Park
• Silver Falls State Park
• The Cove Palisades State Park
• Prineville Reservoir State Park
• Cape Lookout State Park
• William M. Tugman State Park

This list may change as the project progresses, according to the agency.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-05-18 06:28:01

Last Update: 2022-05-17 12:40:25

Oregon National Guard Veteran, Alek Skarlatos released the following statement following his primary victory in Oregon’s 4th Congressional District.

“As a political outsider, I am thankful to be selected as the Republican nominee for Oregon’s 4th Congressional District. It’s clear Washington is broken, Joe Biden’s liberal policies are not working, and we need solutions to reduce inflation, lower gas prices, and lower the cost of healthcare while improving access for rural Oregon,” said Oregon National Guard Veteran Alek Skarlatos. “Oregon’s 4th Congressional District is the poorest district in the state, it’s clear the status quo is not working, and now more than ever, we need fresh ideas and new solutions that will help middle-class families in our state.”

The 4th Congressional District, newly formed after the decennial redistricting process, is 33.8% Democractic, 25.5% Republican and 33.7% non-affiliated.

 Skarlatos is a former Oregon National Guardsman, who served in Afghanistan. In 2015, while traveling on a train bound for Paris, Alek, along with four others, jumped into action to stop an Islamic Terrorist who tried to open fire on a passenger train. His heroism earned him several awards and medals around the world including, the United States' Soldier’s Medal.

After serving as a National Guardsman for 5 years, Alek left military service in November 2017. Upon completing his service, Alek voiced his inspiring experience by authoring 15:17 to Paris: The True Story of A Terrorist, A Train, and Three American Heroes describing the events that led up to the attack on the train ride to Paris from Amsterdam. He worked with legendary director Clint Eastwood on the film 15:17 to Paris that portrayed the harrowing attack in which Alek starred as himself.

Alek’s experience stretches beyond the military. With a strong belief in service to his community, Alek has toured the country encouraging others to take control of their lives and the importance of duty to the community. Alek stays active by advocating for responsible forest management in Oregon. He lives in Roseburg where he spends his free time hiking and exploring all that Oregon has to offer.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-05-17 20:22:39

Last Update: 2022-05-17 19:07:30

Democrat for Governor
	David Beem
	Julian Bell
	Wilson R Bright
	George L Carrillo
	Michael Cross
	Ifeanyichukwu C Diru
	Peter W Hall
	Tina Kotek
	Keisha Lanell Merchant
	Tobias Read
	Patrick E Starnes
	Dave W Stauffer
	John Sweeney
	Michael Trimble
	Genevieve Wilson H
Republican for Governor
	Raymond Baldwin
	Bridget Barton
	Court Boice
	David A Burch
	Reed Christensen
	Christine Drazan
	Jessica Gomez
	Nick Hess
	Tim McCloud
	Kerry McQuisten
	Brandon C Merritt
	Bud Pierce
	John G Presco
	Stan Pulliam
	Amber R Richardson
	Bill Sizemore
	Stefan G Strek (Stregoi)
	Marc Thielman
	Bob Tiernan
Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries
	Aaron R Baca
	Brent T Barker
	Cheri Helt
	Chris Henry
	Casey M Kulla
	Robert Neuman
	Christina E Stephenson
Judge of the Court of Appeals, Position 3
	Vance Day
	Darleen Ortega
Democrat for US Senator
	William E Barlow III
	Brent Thompson
	Ron Wyden
Republican for US Senator
	Jason Beebe
	Christopher C Christensen
	Robert M Fleming
	Darin Harbick
	Sam Palmer
	Jo Rae Perkins
	Ibra A Taher
Democrat for Congress, 1st District
	Suzanne Bonamici
	Scott Phillips
	Christian Robertson
Republican for Congress, 1st District
	Christopher A Mann
	Armidia (Army) Murray
Democrat for Congress, 2nd District
	Adam Prine
	Joe Yetter
Republican for Congress, 2nd District
	Cliff S Bentz
	Mark Cavener
	Katherine M Gallant
Democrat for Congress, 3rd District
	Earl Blumenauer
	Jonathan E Polhemus
Republican for Congress, 3rd District
	Joanna Harbour
Democrat for Congress, 4th District
	Sami Al-Abdrabbuh
	Doyle E Canning
	Val Hoyle
	Andrew Kalloch
	Steve William Laible
	Jake Matthews
	John S Selker
	G Tommy Smith
Republican for Congress, 4th District
	Alek Skarlatos
Democrat for Congress, 5th District
	Jamie McLeod-Skinner
	Kurt Schrader
Republican for Congress, 5th District
	Lori Chavez-DeRemer
	Jimmy Crumpacker
	John Di Paola
	Madison Oatman
	Laurel L Roses
Democrat for Congress, 6th District
	Teresa Alonso Leon
	Ricky Barajas
	Carrick Flynn
	Greg Goodwin
	Kathleen Harder
	Cody Reynolds
	Andrea Salinas
	Loretta Smith
	Matt West
Republican for Congress, 6th District
	Jim Bunn
	Mike Erickson
	Ron Noble
	Angela Plowhead
	David Russ
	Amy L Ryan Courser
	Nathan A Sandvig

--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-05-17 20:01:43

Last Update: 2022-05-20 08:45:47

The Northwest Human Service's Homeless Outreach and Advocacy Project (HOAP) team members are in dire need of hygiene products to support the unsheltered people who were lost everything after a recent flood at Wallace Marine Park. Community members are invited to give “HOAP” to those who have little by donating hygiene products at East Salem Rotary’s club meeting this Friday, May 20, or bringing them to the HOAP Day Center Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Strategic Partnerships Manager and East Salem Rotary member, Kristin Kuenz-Barber said, "Our outreach team and our HOAP team are incredibly short-staffed right now and they are just focused on keeping people clean, clothed, and de-escalated so they often don't even think to ask me or share with me what their needs are."

The HOAP program provides a hand up by giving homeless individuals the resources, support, and skills they need to transition to stable and healthier lifestyles. Examples of hygiene supplies they supply for unsheltered neighbors include travel-sized:

• Shampoo
• Toothbrushes & toothpaste
• Bars of soap
• Feminine hygiene products
• Packs of tissues
• Bandages
• Lip balm
• Hand sanitizer
• Shaving cream
• Razors
• Wet wipes
• Hairbrush or comb

“Please know that I recognize this is a long shot -- but we don't plan for these things to happen and there is so much need right now. In addition to the environmental issues, the camp in that area has experienced several deaths in the last few months; so, on top of the trauma people already have - now they have grief and a sense of hopelessness to add to their list of challenges,” added Kristin.

Rotarians are problem-solvers. Together, we apply our professional experience and personal commitment to tackling our communities’ most persistent problems, finding new, effective ways to enhance health, stability, and prosperity across the globe. The East Salem Rotary Foundation has already contributed $500 to kick-start the Fast and Furious Hygiene Supply Drive, and HOAPs you can help too by donating.

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The East Salem Rotary meeting is held at 12:00 p.m. at the Seymour Family Resource Center located 3745 Portland Rd NE, Salem. The HOAP Day Center is located at 694 Church St NE, Salem and the Drop-In Center Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

For more information or questions regarding hygiene needs: Email Kristin Kuenz-Barber at kkuenz-barber@nwhumanservices.org

For more information or questions regarding the East Salem Rotary: Email Maureen Casey at Maureen Casey MCasey@ccswv.org


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-05-17 19:07:30

Last Update: 2022-05-17 19:24:49

Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan said that she expects a smooth process at elections offices around the state. In Clackamas County, where a printing error could complicate reporting, Secretary Fagan along with senior staff visited the County's election office to observe the ballot correction process.

"Oregon is the gold standard for secure, modern and transparent elections," Secretary Fagan said. "I hope every Oregonian has the opportunity to turn in their ballot today. We expect a smooth process at elections offices around the state."

The Oregon Elections Division has been in contact with county elections divisions across the state during the voting period, providing support as needed.

Secretary Fagan, along with Deputy Elections Director Luke Belant and Chief Legal and Risk Counsel P.K. Runkles-Pearson, visited Clackamas County Elections today to observe the ballot correction process. A printing error by the vendor Clackamas County used to print ballots resulted in a large number of ballots with unreadable barcodes, and county elections officials are consulting with the Oregon Elections Division to correct those ballots in a fair and transparent process.

"After consulting with Clackamas County to help them set up their process, it was reassuring to watch it in action," Secretary Fagan said. "We are confident they will report accurate results."

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Clackamas County may be slower to report results on Election Day as a result of the printing error. However, the county has indicated it will certify the results within the statutory deadline.

The Secretary of State expects Oregon to once again have high voter turnout. If past trends hold, turnout will likely be in the low 30 percent range. Out of all the states that have already held primaries in 2022, Oregon will likely end up with the second highest voter turnout. Those states are Texas (17.7%), Indiana (14%), Ohio (20.64%), Nebraska (33.29%) and W. Virginia (22.84%).

Election results will begin reporting after 8 PM tonight on the Secretary of State's Website


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-05-17 12:59:20

Last Update: 2022-05-17 13:19:39

The United States Postal Service (USPS) recently informed the Multnomah County Elections Division that a USPS blue mail collection box was stolen on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. The USPS box was located at S.E. Reed College Place and S.E. Woodstock Boulevard in Southeast Portland’s Eastmoreland neighborhood.

The Postal Service confirmed all mail was removed from the box on May 4, 2022 at 11:35 AM. Any voter who used this USPS mail collection box to mail their ballot on May 4, after that time, should immediately contact Multnomah County Elections at 503-988-VOTE (8683) to check the status of their ballot.

Any Multnomah County voter whose ballot was not received at the Elections office may still request a replacement ballot.

You can also contact Multnomah County Elections at 503-988-VOTE (8683) to request a replacement ballot. Multnomah County Elections has offered extended hours leading up to the election.

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Multnomah County voters can also sign up to track their ballot online. The Track Your Ballot service lets voters know when their ballot has been sent, received and accepted by the Elections Division.

At least one voter, who used the Eastmoreland mailbox that was reported stolen, alerted the County after they didn’t hear from Track Your Ballot one week after they dropped the ballot there. Elections staff confirmed the ballot had not reached the Elections Division and issued a replacement ballot.

The Elections Division has alerted the Secretary of State’s Office. This is a developing story.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-05-17 09:59:54

Last Update: 2022-05-17 10:27:05

While the last several Oregon legislative sessions have seen an avalanche of agenda-driven bills, not many have gotten the attention of HB 3294. This bill, passed in 2021, required free tampons and sanitary pads in every student bathroom in every school. Including the bathrooms of kindergarten boys.

The products would be available, with no limit, to anyone using any student bathroom. Every single Republican House Rep voted in favor of this bill. Even Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) who was not present for the vote on the floor, approved the bill in committee.

When gubernatorial candidate Bridget Barton produced a campaign ad criticizing then House Rep (and candidate for Governor) Christine Drazan, for voting in favor of the bill, Drazan responded with an email blast on May 13th 2022 saying;

“Let me give you the facts, because there’s no confusion there. I voted alongside every other Republican in the State House to provide underprivileged girls with feminine products. A warped and radical progressive agenda–spearheaded by Kate Brown and Tina Kotek–then turned around and put feminine products into boys’ bathrooms.”

And, in an email to a constituent who complained to House Rep David Brock Smith about his vote supporting this bill, Smith responded:

"The bill requires feminine hygiene products in two restrooms in public schools. It passed the House unanimously and for good reason. One, it does not mandate them to boys restrooms, that would be silly. (Don’t believe everything you read on the internet). School districts (local control) decide which bathrooms they are placed, to which I could imagine would be the girls locker room bathroom and another girls bathroom within the school. If there is only one bathroom in the school, then they are there but I don’t know of any schools with one bathroom."

Two, there are a number of families that struggle to provide meals for their children, let alone feminine hygiene products. As a grandfather I would hope you would understand (even if you don’t have granddaughters) that a child’s lack of access to feminine hygiene products for whatever reason, should not be a barrier to education, sports or just a basic quality of life in our public school system.

Both statements have factual issues.

The fact is, the original version of the bill only made these products available in girl’s bath rooms. “Each public education provider shall ensure that both tampons and sanitary pads are available at no cost to students through dispensers located in at least two female student bathrooms of every public school building.”

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However, the bill was amended to include all bathrooms and David Brock Smith voted to approve those amendments. In fact, during the hearing on the bill, in the House Education Committee on which Brock Smith was a member, the very first person to testify was House Rep Ricki Ruiz, a Democrat sponsor of the bill who called for the removal of gender language and stated that “not all people who menstruate are women.” Brock Smith was sitting in the committee at the time.

Subsequent testimony constantly referred not to “women” or “girls” or “females” but to “people who menstrurate.” One of the few references to “women” was from a representative of the National Organization of Women who stated in her testimony, “Menstrual inequity is simply another means to control women and limit their access to all possibilities and opportunities”

After being confronted with the language of the amended bill that Brock Smith twice voted for, Brock Smith responded:

It turns out I was mistaken. For that matter, my entire caucus was mistaken. The language was amended to require all restrooms and not two. This was not caught by the house republican members or our Republican staff. My apologies to you and others. There will be a bill from our caucus to fix this in the ‘23 session. I and others would not have voted for the legislation if we would have known, even though it would have passed anyway because the democrats don’t need our votes to pass legislation. Hopefully we will be changing that this November. Again, my apologies.

Brock Smith and other Republicans sat in the committee where the bill was heard. Every single Republican member of that committee then voted to amend the bill to put tampons in the bathrooms of little boys. No one asked a question or voiced an objection. Then every single Republican, except the “excused” Greg Smith, voted for it again on the House floor. But not before it made another stop in the Joint Ways and Means Committee.

In that committee, the bill, now containing the language Smith and Christine Drazan claim to object to, was heard again. And then passed to the full House for a vote. Christine Drazan sat on that committee and approved the bill with the mandates for free tampons in kindergarten boy’s bathrooms.

The bill then went to the Senate where even Democrat Betsy Johnson voted no. To the surprise of very few, Republican Senator Tim Knopp, who is now the Senate Republican Leader, voted yes.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-05-16 08:22:18

Last Update: 2022-12-28 13:10:44

Oregon's Governor Kate Brown has declared a drought in Baker, Douglas, Wallowa, and Wheeler Counties through Executive Order 22-08, and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region.

"Baker, Douglas, Wallowa, and Wheeler Counties are facing historic challenges from drought conditions that are creating hardships for the people, farms, ranches, communities, and ecosystems of the region. I am committed to doing everything possible to make state resources available to provide immediate relief and assistance to water users throughout Baker, Douglas, Wallowa, and Wheeler Counties," said Governor Brown.

She went on, calling for big government solutions, "Moving forward, we must look for long-term solutions to the underlying issue causing drought in Oregon counties: there is too little water to go around, and as the climate changes we are experiencing hotter, drier summers. As we brace for another record-breaking drought year, collaborating with our federal partners will also be critical as we work towards locally supported, long-term solutions."

As of May 9, the snow-water equivalent in Baker, Douglas, Wallowa, and Wheeler Counties was significantly lower than during a normal water year, and forecasted water conditions are not expected to improve.

Drought, severe weather conditions, and the upcoming fire season pose significant threats to the local economy, agriculture and livestock, natural resources, and recreation in Baker, Douglas, Wallowa, and Wheeler Counties.

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The Governor's drought declaration unlocks a number of drought-related emergency tools for water users, including assistance to local water users. Drought declarations also allow the Water Resources Department to expedite review processes and reduce fee schedules. Declarations are intended to be short-term emergency authorizations to address water supply challenges. More information is available on the Oregon Drought Watch website.

As state and local officials coordinate with federal partners, conditions will be closely monitored by the state’s natural resource and public safety agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Department and the Oregon Office of Emergency Management.

Drought declarations typically go through a three-part process before securing a state drought declaration from the Governor.

The Baker, Douglas, Wallowa, and Wheeler County Commissions first declared a drought emergency due to low snowpack, low precipitation, low streamflows and warmer than normal temperature, and a state drought declaration was requested.

State officials subsequently met, and the Oregon Drought Readiness Council ultimately recommended that the Governor issue a drought declaration to provide critical resources to confront current water conditions and future climatic forecasts.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-05-15 09:03:32

Last Update: 2022-05-15 14:51:51