Oregon Gov. Orders Agencies to Help Aumsville

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski is ordering state agencies to help clean up the debris left by a rare tornado that tore through Aumsville.

Kulongoski has signed an executive order directing emergency management, the Oregon State Police and transportation officials to provide any manpower and equipment the city requests.

Governor’s office spokeswoman Jodi Sherwood says local authorities are still calculating the damage, and it’s not yet clear whether they’ll need state or federal money.

Kulongoski says in a statement that “the state stands ready to assist as needed.”

The rare tornado struck Dec. 14, damaging 50 homes and four businesses in the small town located 50 miles south of Portland.