For more information, contact Rep. Witt’s office at 503-986-1431 or rep.bradwitt@state.or.us.

To see the full agenda, click here: http://www.leg.state.or.us/07reg/agenda/webagendas.htm and go to House Workforce and Economic Development Committee

Disaster Aid Hearing Agenda

Features Local Community Leaders

Coastal Residents ready to testify before committee chaired by Rep. Brad Witt

CLATSKANIE -- As State Legislators prepare to hear testimony from coastal community leaders at a hearing on Monday, elected officials who are set to testify are hopeful that Monday’s hearing will help focus the state’s attention on the recovery and rebuilding process.

State Rep. Brad Witt, chair of the House Workforce and Economic Development Committee, will convene the hearing on Monday at 8:30 a.m. in Hearing Room F at the Oregon State Capitol. State Rep. Deborah Boone and State Senator Betsy Johnson will also be participating in the legislative hearing.

“After the weeks of devastation in the Northwest corner of our state, it’s time to take a small step back and look at what occurred on the coast, what the emergency response accomplished and what we can do in the very near future to help these coastal residents and businesses rebuild their lives,” said Rep. Witt.

Among those attending will be Clatskanie Mayor Diane Pohl. She said she intends to urge the Legislature to consider options for helping coastal communities in the upcoming February session.

“December was a month of devastating consequences for residents of north Columbia County.  Flooding, debris slides and other damage impacted families, communities and a fragile economy in this area,” said Mayor Pohl.  “I personally want to thank the Legislature for being proactive by hearing first hand from representatives from this area.  It will take a concerted effort to bring meaningful help to these areas.”

Also testifying will be Columbia County Commissioner Tony Hyde.

"It's appropriate that we take this opportunity to talk about the December storm, how we at the local level interacted with the state, and how, collectively, we are working toward long term recovery," said Hyde.

Rep. Witt said the huge turnout of coastal community leaders coming to testify will help his fellow legislators understand the dire situation, and the role Legislators can play in February to help the recovery and rebuilding process.

“It’s important that my colleagues know that what we accomplish in this February session will be watched closely by the residents of the coast, and all Oregonians. We have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of thousands of coastal residents. The work of making that happen in the February Legislative session begins today,” said Rep. Witt.

The hearing will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Hearing Room F at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem.

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