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Governor Tina Kotek Calls Emergency Session for Wildfire Funding
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek is moving quickly to address the financial aftermath of the state’s devastating 2024 wildfire season. On December 12, 2024, she convened a special legislative session to expedite emergency funding, ensuring that unpaid contractors and wildfire workers receive their compensation after an unprecedented season of destruction.
Wildfire Season By the Numbers
This year’s wildfire season was historic, with over 1.9 million acres burned — nearly triple the 10-year average of 640,000 acres. The fires caused extensive damage to communities and forests, with firefighting costs exceeding $350 million. State agencies like the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) have reported substantial financial strains, with hundreds of vendors owed more than $98 million for services rendered. (Source)
Governor’s Proposal
Governor Kotek’s emergency proposal includes:
- $218 Million in Emergency Funding: To pay contractors and ensure firefighting agencies can continue operations.
- $150 Million from the State Rainy Day Fund: Allocated to reinforce wildfire suppression efforts.
- Increased Future Budget Allocations: An additional $130 million for wildfire readiness and prevention initiatives in the next budget cycle. (Source)
Why It Matters
These emergency measures aim to:
- Ensure Immediate Compensation: Hundreds of contractors and fire crews have been waiting months for payment.
- Reinforce State Preparedness: The funding will bolster Oregon’s ability to respond to wildfires in future seasons.
- Protect Local Economies: Many contractors depend on timely payments to sustain their businesses and livelihoods.
Legislative Action
During today’s session, lawmakers will deliberate on the Governor’s funding request. Approval would allow state agencies to settle their financial obligations promptly and continue critical wildfire response and prevention work.
The session underscores the growing urgency of addressing wildfires’ increasing frequency and intensity due to climate change. It’s a pivotal moment for Oregon’s resilience against natural disasters and for the people who risk their lives to protect communities.
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