By Oregon State Representative Mark Owens,
Press release,
Last weekend, Congressman Bentz was in Burns to meet with the community. I want to thank Senator Mike McLane, Harney County officials, the City of Burns, and our state partners who joined him for a roundtable on the ongoing flooding. We heard firsthand about the serious impacts—from damaged roads to failing sewer systems—and discussed both immediate needs and long-term solutions. My office is committed to supporting Harney County and working together to get the help our communities need.
Congressman Bentz meets with community leaders, electeds and state officials in Burns.
Late this week, I joined Governor Kotek on a tour of the flood-impacted areas in Burns, including a visit with the Burns Paiute Tribe. We also held a press conference to address the community’s immediate needs and discuss long-term recovery efforts. I remain in close coordination with Governor Kotek, Congressman Bentz, and Oregon Emergency Management to ensure Harney County receives both immediate assistance and future funding support. Already, $40,000 in emergency funds has been secured to help local residents safely dispose of flood-contaminated materials.
Governor Kotek, First Lady Amiee Kotek-Wilson and Representative Mark Owens posing for a photo with American Red Cross staff responding to a flooding emergency in Burns, Oregon.
Governor Kotek and Representative Owens also held a press conference on the floods with KTVZ 21 on April 11th.
Watch the full press conference here. [5]