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Washington, Oregon Call For Federal Help With Damaged Roads

The federal government announced Friday that it would send $1 million each to Washington and Oregon for fast road repairs after heavy storms this week. Both Washington and 13 counties in Oregon are under emergency declarations.

In Washington state, White Pass on U.S. Highway 12 is closed from multiple rockslides and washouts. That strands both mountain residents and the White Pass ski resort. Washington isn’t estimating a timeframe for reopening that pass. State workers are also repairing Interstate 5, about 30 miles north of Portland where a major slide occurred.

In Oregon, U.S. 101 has been closed because of major flooding near the coastal burg of Wheeler. Also in Oregon, Highway 22 is closed near the coast because of a major sinkhole. Oregon estimates as least $5 million of damage to its state infrastructure. State officials say there is even more damage on county and city roads and bridges.

Some closed roads throughout Washington and Oregon have now reopened since high waters have receded.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uOUo-VziVs&feature=youtu.be

A map of the US 12 White Pass closure area
/ WSDOT
/
WSDOT
A map of the US 12 White Pass closure area

Copyright 2015 Northwest News Network

Anna King calls Richland, Washington home and loves unearthing great stories about people in the Northwest. She reports for the Northwest News Network from a studio at Washington State University, Tri-Cities. She covers the Mid-Columbia region, from nuclear reactors to Mexican rodeos.
Anna King
Anna King calls Richland, Washington home and loves unearthing great stories about people in the Northwest. She reports for the Northwest News Network from a studio at Washington State University, Tri-Cities. She covers the Mid-Columbia region, from nuclear reactors to Mexican rodeos.