Oregon Governor Calls Special Legislative Session to Address Wildfire Costs
SALEM, Ore. — In response to the state’s unprecedented wildfire season this year, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has announced a special legislative session scheduled to begin on December 12. The session aims to address the substantial financial burden resulting from wildfires that have ravaged more than 1.9 million acres and escalated projected firefighting costs to an estimated $350 million.
Kotek is requesting that lawmakers allocate an additional $218 million to support state agencies that have been overwhelmed by firefighting expenses. “The unprecedented 2024 wildfire season required all of us to work together to protect life, land, and property. This spirit of cooperation must continue to meet our fiscal responsibilities,” Kotek stated. The governor expressed gratitude to legislative leaders for their consensus on addressing the state’s wildfire cost prior to the end of the year.
The financial toll of Oregon’s wildfire management has increased dramatically over the past decade, surging from an average of $11 million annually to about $75.5 million. The 2024 season, however, has shattered this new average, prompting the current request for additional funding as the state grapples with rising costs.
In September, the Oregon Department of Forestry reported depleting its budget for firefighters and contractors, necessitating an additional $47.5 million from the state’s Emergency Board. As of then, the board’s general fund was nearly exhausted, leading to recommendations for funding splits between the general fund and a natural disaster fund. Notably, the Legislative Fiscal Office warned that the department could face another funding shortfall by November.
Oregon’s regular legislative session is set to commence on January 21, 2024, and could extend until June 29, unless earlier adjourned.
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