Oregon delegation seeks federal disaster declaration for state

Oregon's congressional delegation asked the White House Wednesday, March 25, to issue a major disaster declaration for the state.

A disaster declaration can provide financial and other assistance to local businesses, nonprofit groups and state agencies.

U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and U.S. Reps. Peter DeFazio, Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Kurt Schrader and Greg Walden wrote a letter to the White House supporting Gov. Kate Brown's request for the declaration because of the COVID-19 pandemic.