Oregon Public Broadcasting

State IT managers in Oregon have failed to adequately prepare for a natural disaster and critical state services could be at risk.

That's the conclusion of a new audit of Oregon's State Data Center.

The Salem facility serves as the computer brains for 11 state agencies. Auditors found that while the center has conducted limited disaster tests, the Data Center lacks a comprehensive recovery plan.

Will Garber is deputy director of the Secretary of State's Audits Division. He says the Data Center hasn't made disaster planning a high enough priority.

Will Garber: "I think if there's not adequate planning and testing, it could impact state agencies' ability to provide some of those mission critical services that the State Data Center's already providing."

For example, Garber says Medicaid payments and food stamp distribution could be delayed in the event of a serious disaster.

In response to the audit, Oregon Department of Administrative Services director Scott Harra says the agency is developing a plan for long-term, ongoing disaster recovery planning.