Governor Kotek Declares State of Emergency Due to Impacts from Recent Storms

Governor Tina Kotek has declared a state of emergency due to flooding and landslides from recent winter storms in the state including southwest Oregon. Following Oregon Revised Statutes, Governor Kotek determined a potential threat of life, safety, property and significant damage to infrastructure exists due to flooding and landslides that have caused and continue to cause an emergency. The emergency declaration covers a total of 11 counties including Josephine, Jackson, Douglas, Coos and Curry counties in southwest Oregon. From February 24th through last weekend, ongoing storms have caused significant flooding and landslides throughout the state, resulting in one fatality, critical transportation failures, and loss of power and communications capabilities. The declaration directs the Oregon Department of Transportation to provide appropriate assistance and seek federal resources to repair and reconstruct the $10 million or more in damages that impact the federal aid highway system in the impacted counties. The declaration is limited to the provision of assistance by ODOT to repair and reconstruct eligible roads that are part of that system. ...Read more

BLM District Closes Rainie Falls Trail Until Further Notice Due to Heavy Rain Damage

The Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management has closed Rainie Falls Trail as a result of damage caused by recent heavy rains. The BLM is also advising caution on the Rogue River Trail when it becomes accessible again. The closure order covers BLM-managed public lands south of Rainie Falls Trail. The trail sustained heavy damage including multiple landslides and heavy erosion. Members of the public may not enter closed areas and all uses -- including hiking, hunting and dispersed camping -- are prohibited. BLM officials said the heavy rainfall caused significant flooding, landslides, fallen trees and damage to facilities across the Medford District. Crews are out in the field conducting damage assessments and prioritizing repairs. If you find damage on BLM lands, please report it to the Medford District Office at (541)-618-2200. Avoid driving through flooded areas or on roads that look compromised. Watch out for debris and potentially damaged facilities like boat ramps and restrooms. ...Read more

GP City Council Approves Return of Summer Concert Series to Riverside Park in June

The Grants Pass City Council last night approved commercial activity and waived fees allowing Concerts in the Park to return to Riverside Park in June. The City Council approved two resolutions. One was a waiver of park reservation fees for Concerts in the Park produced by the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber will be responsible for a $1,650 refundable deposit. The second resolution approved commercial activity at Riverside Park for the Concerts in the Park series. The Medicine Show Revival was approved to be held in Riverside Park on Easter Sunday, April 20th. The event is part of a 7-day-long event that begins in rural areas and culminates in Riverside Park, focusing on personal resilience and some alternative health treatments. Organizers will be assessed a reservation fee of $355.50. The Council made several committee appointments. ...Read more