On November 19, 2021, a $7 million grant from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was awarded to help repair damaged electrical infrastructure in Marion County. FEMA will allocate the grant to Consumers Power Inc., a rural electric co-op that provides service to six Oregon counties.
Some may remember the sky turning reddish orange and the entire state smelling like ashes. Some were afraid because it was never known how fast the fire would travel or what direction.
In Marion County, 2020 wildfires and wind storms caused poles, electric conductors, and other critical hardware to severely be damaged; this funding will help pay for the needed repairs.
Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden commented saying, “Wildfires and intense winds caused significant damage to our electrical infrastructure in Marion County, jeopardizing the stability of small businesses and the homes of many Oregon families” “I am pleased that these grants will help repair critical electric systems needed for our rural communities to thrive, and I will continue to fight for resources that boost our wildfire recovery efforts in every corner of the state.” said Merkley.
Senator Wyden (D-OR) also adding, “After witnessing the devastation in Marion County from these disastrous wildfires and high winds, I’m glad FEMA has come through with this grant to help fix the local electrical infrastructure.” “Those repairs are essential to help families and small businesses recover from this destruction, and I’ll keep battling to secure similar resources to help Oregon communities whenever wildfire strikes.” Merkley and Wyden have continued to lead efforts for more federal funding dedicated to wildfire recovery in Oregon. Ron Wyden has been a standout in the world of liberal and progressive politics due to his caring approach and steadfastness on issues important to everyday people across racial and economic lines.
