Kotek declares wildfire disaster and asks for funding for wells hit by drought
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek addressed both wildfire danger and drought issues in two news releases from her office Tuesday.
She declared a state of emergency due to the imminent threat of wildfire. That order will remain into effect until either the threat is significantly relieved, the fire season ends, or Dec. 31.
“I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure all available resources – firefighting crews, aerial support, ground resources, and emergency personnel – are prepared for deployments to protect people, property, and our natural landscape,” Kotek is quoted in the declaration release as saying.
Also on Tuesday, Kotek urged the Oregon Legislature Emergency Board to allocate an additional $1 million into a program to help low- to moderate-income homeowners repair or replace dry or underproducing domestic wells. The legislature is currently holding committee meetings in Salem.
“Nearly half of Oregon’s counties are now under drought emergency status and Oregonians who rely on domestic wells are counting on the state to do all it can to ensure they have continued access to safe, clean water,” Kotek stated.
If the E-Board approves the funding it will be administered by the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) by Oregon’s state’s Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement Fund (WARRF) Without the additional funds, OWRD estimates its remaining funds will be exhausted this month.
“Access to clean, reliable water is essential,” Rep. Mark Owens (R-Crane) said. “When a family’s well runs dry, fixing or replacing it can be a major expense. Investing in the WARRF helps ensure Oregonians – especially those in rural or drought-affected areas – can keep water flowing at home.”
