As concerns grow over the looming threat of another powerful hurricane churning toward the southern states, members of Congress from the Pacific Northwest have urged their colleagues to turn their attention to the devastation other natural disasters have inflicted on their constituents this summer.
Wildfires have burned across Oregon, Montana, California, Washington and neighboring states, destroying hundreds of square miles of forest land, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes, and causing widespread damage to homes, businesses, and air quality.
The Eagle Creek Fire in Oregon is now considered the top fire priority in the nation, according to KATU, and the 52-square-mile blaze was only five percent contained as of Thursday afternoon. In Montana, the cost of fighting summer wildfires has already completely depleted the state’s fire fund with flames still burning in several areas.
While offering unequivocal support for Hurricane Harvey relief funds, lawmakers from these states have maintained in recent days that they require similar aid.
Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., applauded the House’s passage of $7.85 billion in federal funds for Harvey recovery efforts Wednesday, but he added that Montana also needs short- and long-term wildfire funding.
From WJLA 7 News: https://wjla.com/news/nation-world/growing-wildfires-spark-debate-over-forest-management-federal-funding