... session, Senator Jackie Winters (R â Salem), who lived in Vanp
PRESS RELEASE HOUSE SPEAKER TINA KOTEK
STATE SENATOR JACKIE WINTERS
(D – North Portland)
(R – Salem) May 30, 2017
Contact: Lindsey O’Brien 503-986-1204
[email protected]
Oregon Legislators Commemorate Vanport Flood Anniversary, Honor Survivors (SALEM) – Today the Oregon Legislature commemorated the 69th anniversary of the Vanport flood, which in 1948 destroyed the most racially diverse city in Oregon, displaced nearly 20,000 people, and killed at least 15. The Oregon State Senate unanimously passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 21 to officially commemorate the anniversary of the flood and honor its survivors and the people who lost their lives. Following the floor session, Senator Jackie Winters (R – Salem), who lived in Vanport and survived the flood, and House Speaker Tina Kotek (D – North Portland), whose district includes the area where Vanport once was, hosted a group of survivors for a reception in the State Capitol. “As a survivor, I am honored to have had the privilege to tell the story of Vanport, Oregon,” Senator Winters said. “The story of Vanport can never be forgotten by those of us who were there at the time and who lived through those times of displacement. The story should be known by those who have come along since.” Vanport was built in 1942 as a temporary solution to Portland’s housing shortage during World War II. The city was home to many war workers who moved to Portland from all over the country, many of whom were recruited to work in local shipbuilding yards. Vanport quickly grew into one of the largest, most racially diverse cities in Oregon. On Memorial Day, May 30, 1948, one of the dykes surrounding Vanport broke, flooding the city and wiping it out in under two hours. ###
