Wallowa Storm Recovery Updates from Mayor Gary Hulse
By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, October 18th, 2022 in Featured Stories Northeastern Oregon News
WALLOWA – On August 11, 2022, the City of Wallowa was rocked by a devastating hailstorm that caused significant damage to homes, businesses, vehicles and infrastructure. Just over two months later, Wallowa is on a slow but steady path to recovery and a return to normal life. Mayor Gary Hulse recently provided several updates on the state of Wallowa and what assistance is still needed.
According to Hulse, the state government has confirmed that the two million dollars in emergency funding requested by Governor Kate Brown will be provided. However, this emergency funding will be distributed county wide rather than sent exclusively to Wallowa. Discussions are still underway at the state level to determine how much of the funding will support the city directly, with Mayor Hulse hoping that, “some of it passes through.” Wallowa also received relief funding through a variety of private donations. A city council meeting with the Blue Mountain Long Term Recovery Group, who are managing Wallowa’s relief funds, will be held today to discuss a dispensation plan for the private donations.
Funding isn’t the only state support Wallowa received, as Governor Kate Brown herself visited the city on October 7, speaking directly with Mayor Hulse and Wallowa County Commissioner Susan Roberts. The meeting, though brief, went well according to Hulse and may even mark the first time an Oregon Governor has visited Wallowa in person.
In terms of physical recovery, plenty of work remains. Contractors and support groups continue to arrive, assess damage and offer services, but more are still wanted. Mayor Hulse heavily emphasized the need for additional contractors to help in repairs. Hulse and the city council are also greatly concerned about the damages to windows, siding and insulation as Fall gets underway. With temperatures finally starting to drop, the need to secure homes against cold weather and precipitation are paramount. According to Hulse, it’s estimated that window replacements in Wallowa could still take upwards of ten additional weeks to complete, well after freezing conditions begin.
To assist in winter prep, 25 hay tarps were sent by Home Depot and The Red Cross, which arrived recently. These large tarps, along with other donated tarps and covers, will be distributed to the most damaged homes as insulation stop-gaps.
Wallowa has a long road ahead of it, but support is coming. Again, contractors are needed in numbers along with materials and coverings to assist in cold weather prep. Those capable of providing services or donations are encouraged to do so and may contact the city of Wallowa at 541-886-2422 or wallowa@eoni.com.
During this time, it’s also asked by Wallowa that politics not be brought up in the recovery discussions if possible. As stated by Mayor Hulse, “I hope they keep politics out of this. We just want to recover.”
