Bend, Ore. — Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden are urging the federal government to approve disaster relief funding for Harney County following catastrophic flooding that struck the region this spring.
In a formal letter sent to President Donald Trump, the Democratic senators called on the administration to swiftly grant Governor Tina Kotek’s request for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance to support the ongoing recovery effort.
Between March 28 and April 15, 2025, severe riverine flooding inundated the City of Burns and surrounding areas, forcing the evacuation of more than 1,400 residents. The number represents nearly 20 percent of Harney County’s total population, according to federal estimates. At least 173 homes sustained serious damage, many of which remain uninhabitable.
“This flood event inflicted serious damage on the City of Burns and surrounding communities,” the senators wrote. “Raging waters damaged homes and small businesses and created dangerous health conditions.”
Local infrastructure was hit hard. The flooding overwhelmed the City of Burns’ sewer system, forcing some residents to rely on portable toilets or travel to neighboring communities for basic sanitation. In many affected homes, raw sewage contaminated living spaces, creating health risks that persist weeks after the waters receded.
Senators Merkley and Wyden highlighted the region’s recent history of natural disasters — including devastating wildfires and prolonged drought — as part of a compounding crisis that has left many rural residents in dire need of federal support.
“While the people of Harney County are resilient and deeply rooted in the values of hard work and self-reliance, they also rely on government at all levels to fulfill its basic duty in times of crisis,” the letter stated.
If approved, FEMA’s Individual Assistance program would provide critical aid, including temporary housing, home repairs, and support for uninsured disaster-related needs.
The request comes amid increasing pressure on the federal government to prioritize relief for rural communities, which often lack the resources and infrastructure to recover from large-scale disasters without outside help.
No official decision has been announced regarding the approval of Oregon’s request, but state and local officials say time is of the essence.
“The scale of this disaster — combined with the limited resources — has left many without the means to rebuild on their own,” the senators noted. “Smart, targeted federal aid can make a lasting difference.”
Federal officials have yet to comment on when a decision might be made.
