WALLOWA — The city of Wallowa can expect to receive $2 million in state emergency aid next month, when the board of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management meets, according to state Sen. Bill Hansell, R-Athena.

The aid would be to assist Wallowa residents in the wake of the Aug. 11 hailstorm that ravaged the town. The roofs of at least 400 buildings and scores of automobiles were damage by the large hailstones, Mayor Gary Hulse said. A handful of injuries were reported, although none was considered serious.

Hansell said Wednesday, Aug. 24, that he learned the previous day $2 million was to be added to the funds the board is expected to request when it meets Sept. 30.

He said it’s too bad the money can’t come through sooner, “but that’s when the board meets.”

Hansell is a member of the emergency board.

The senator said he immediately called Hulse to inform him.

Hulse confirmed Aug. 23 that he’d heard a $2 million request was made, but had yet to hear if it was approved.

Hansell said the delay in approving the funds could prove troublesome.

“It hasn’t been appropriated yet,” he said. “In the meantime, maybe assuming the money’s going to be there, they can get the work done.”

Hansell said the city has been encouraged to document the extent of the damage.

The senator said he met with Hulse and Wallowa County Commissioners Todd Nash and Susan Roberts informally on Aug. 16 to discuss recovery efforts. At the time, Nash told him of a drone operation in Pendleton that could be asked to survey the damage to the town.

“My understanding is they flew the city and documented the damage,” Hansell said. “They’ll know which roofs to repair first and help people recover.”

Hulse said residents are concerned their roofs won’t keep out the weather the next time it rains. A load of tarps were donated from Ellensburg, Washington, that Farm Supply, of Enterprise, brought in on a return trip. The mayor said residents have been coming to city hall to pick up tarps for their roofs and sheets of plywood for windows, in concern for any coming wet weather.

“We’ve had people taking tarps to cover their roofs,” Hulse said. “I’m sure every roof in town has some damage to it.”

Also on the calendar for Wallowa recovery is a Zoom meeting Monday, Aug. 29, between city officials and various stakeholders who could have access to resources, Hulse said. After that meeting, when more is known, a town hall-style meeting with Wallowa residents will be held to inform them of the situation.

WALLOWA — Wallowa County is coming together, offering assistance to those affected by the devastating Aug. 11 hailstorm.

A list of resources being offered is growing, coordinated by the Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce. Anyone with something not included on the list below is asked to email information to info@wallowacounty.org or call 541-426-4622.

So far, the list includes:

• The Lostine Presbyterian Church has created a relief fund where online donations may be made. The church’s website is www.lostinepc.org. It’s phone number is 541-398-0547.

• A form to apply for $500 in recovery aid is available at Wallowa City Hall/Fire Department or at the Wallowa Senior Center.

• Those who qualify for SNAP/TANFF benefits may visit Wallowa City Hall/Fire Department for replacement food resources.

• The Wallowa Food Bank at 211 E. First St. is open seven days a week right now and anyone in need of food may stop in, regardless of eligibility.

• The Wallowa ReSale Store is offering free replacement items to Wallowa residents. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Plywood and tarps are available at Wallowa City Hall/Fire Department.

• A account has been set up for donations at Community Bank.

• Through Labor Day, Genuine Wallowa County Provisions is waiving its delivery fee to Wallowa customers within regular service area of five miles from Highway 82. Shopping at GWC Provisions supports Wallowa producers including Hawkins Sisters Ranch, Rocking M Cattle Co., Bear Creek Blossoms, Ralph Anderson and Carman Ranch.

— Wallowa County Chieftain