Rep. Walden Applauds President Trump's Approval of Oregon Disaster Declaration

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Greg Walden, R-Oregon, issued the following statement:

Representative Greg Walden released a statement applauding President Trump after he approved the disaster declaration for Umatilla County and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to help the community recover and rebuild from February flooding.

"I am grateful for President Trump's approval of this disaster declaration, ensuring that eastern Oregon has the resources necessary to recover and rebuild from the devastating flooding. Shortly after the flooding, I visited Umatilla County and met with local officials and first responders and I have nothing but praise for the emergency workers, tribal and county health offices, and the tribal and local elected officials, who have calmly and effectively dealt with the flood and the coronavirus outbreak.

"I also spoke with homeowners, as I toured the damage, who were in the process of recovering from the destructive flooding. The courage they all displayed as they rebuilt their lives was inspirational.

"They had shared with me the immediate need for this funding and I am glad that assistance is on its way. This declaration will make more federal funding available for the county and will help eastern Oregon recover and rebuild stronger than ever," said Walden.

This funding comes after Rep. Walden sent a letter with Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden to President Trump urging his approval of this disaster declaration.

Walden visited Umatilla County shortly after the flooding to survey damage and speak with local officials.