Oregon Gov. Kotek Signs $267 Million Wildfire Funding, Prevention Bill

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed House Bill 3940 into law, creating the State Forestry Department Large Wildfire Fund to provide funding for wildfire response and prevention efforts before fires occur. The bipartisan legislation secures $150 million over two years for wildfire disaster response and $117 million for prevention and community resilience, with funding sourced from the state's Rainy Day Fund and taxes on oral nicotine products. Kotek emphasized the need for long-term strategies to build fire-adapted communities and reduce wildfire risks, while Representative Bobby Levy highlighted the collaborative, nonpartisan effort behind the bill. Additionally, Kotek signed House Bill 3644, establishing a statewide homeless shelter program with $204.9 million in funding over two years to reduce unsheltered homelessness and support transitions to stable housing. The homeless shelter program aims to replace expiring one-time COVID-19 funds and is administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services through regional coordinators. Both bills reflect Kotek's focus on addressing critical state challenges through bipartisan cooperation and ongoing resource commitments.