McKenzie CDC
Newsletter
July 2021
The McKenzie CDC was thrilled to announce this July that the Oregon state legislature approved a funding package of over $600 million to support wildfire recovery efforts, reminding us that although the path to recovery has not been an easy one, we are not alone in this fight. The recovery funding package includes over $20 million for infrastructure and an additional $110 million specifically for water and sewer infrastructure projects within wildfire-impacted communities. This means that plans to establish a communal sanitation district in Blue River can proceed, and hopefully become a template of success for other communities by allowing property owners to rebuild in spaces that might not have met current planning requirements for their own septic systems.
Areas that will be funded under these new provisions include (provisional numbers):
- $1.4 M for the Blue River O’Brien Memorial Library rebuild
- $150 M for Wildfire recovery housing and land acquisition
- $75 M for Food and shelter for survivors
- $ 8.5 M for a new distribution system for BR Water District.
- $ 4.5 M for a Wastewater system for Blue River
- $ 2 M for septic repair throughout the burn area.
- $ 1.7 M to rebuild the Orchid Health Clinic
- $ 15 M to protect the McKenzie watershed and riparian areas
- $903,520 to McKenzie Fire & Rescue for a Disaster Relief Logistics Center
- $325,000 ARPA to the EWEB for the McKenzie River Finn Rock Restoration Project
This month the MCDC welcomes a new member to our Board of Directors, Jane Wilson but is sorry to announce that long-term member Tim Laue has stepped down. Tim played a huge part in laying the groundwork for the $600 million wildfire recovery funding and championed the McKenzie at all stages of the process so we extend him our sincere thanks!
Your continued support will help us succeed as we work towards long-term recovery and support our community as we build back better. You can help us reach our goals by donating through the Big Yellow PayPal Donate button below or checks made payable to the McKenzie CDC can be mailed to PO Box 406, Walterville, OR 97489.
Donate to Help Communities on the McKenzie Recover!
News & Info.
Wildfire Recovery Funding is a Huge Win for the McKenzie Community
The past days have been very challenging to say the least, as our fire-ravaged river communities had to cope with record-breaking temperatures, which is why it is such a great relief to find that the Oregon state legislature approved a funding package of over $600 million to support wildfire recovery efforts, which will be a huge boost to the McKenzie as we continue to work towards building back better.
OSU Fire Aware. Fire Prepared. Resources now Available
Last summer’s 2020 wildfire events affected most Oregonians and we learned that EVERYONE living in Oregon should be prepared for a wildfire emergency. And here we are in July, with 2021 becoming another historic fire year. So it is important to keep focused even though every community is different, and it can be difficult to navigate all of the resources. Oregon State University’s Forestry & Natural Resources Extension along with state and local agencies and community partners is helping Oregonians prepare for the reality of wildfire through greater awareness and action.
Blue River Post Office Gets a Grand Reopening
Salmon Spawning Restoration Project at Finn Rock Reach
The Finn Rock Project will take place on land owned and managed by McKenzie River Trust. Beginning in June of 2021, McKenzie River Trust Staff, partners, and local contractors will begin the restoration process. The project will take place during a salmon-safe window of time with completion happening before the end of August 2021. Work includes temporary channel diversion, fish salvage, earthwork, large wood placement, and re-watering of the Elk Creek side channel that flows through the Finn Rock Reach property.
MCDC Board Update
We can announce that Tim Laue has resigned from the Board of the McKenzie Community Development Corporation so he can take care of his personal home rebuilding. His resignation has been accepted and his time on the Board is appreciated. We have a new member in Jane Wilson and will be publishing a bit about her experience and her relationship to the area on our About Us page soon, but in the meantime, we are happy to welcome her to the organization.
our Recovery Partners
Can Do Spirit
The McKenzie River is Eugene’s only water source. Without it, the area’s breweries would be missing a vital ingredient to their beverages. Claim 52 is creating a special beer that supports McKenzie River Trust’s efforts to restore the McKenzie River after the Holiday Farm Fire. The brewery is sharing the recipe with other breweries in town and hoping the fundraiser spreads to other breweries around Oregon – and beyond – who’d use the money for restoring their respective watersheds.
Camp Noah – Free Summer Day Camps for Kids
This August we welcome the Camp Noah program to the McKenzie River. These are free day camps designed for children whose communities have been impacted by disaster and will take place three times during August, between the 2nd & 6th at the School in Blue River, between the 8th & 12th at Camp Lutherwood and between the 16th & 20th at Walterville Elementary.
Local & State Officials Visit Blue River
Subscribe to these Newsletters
Keep up to date on the McKenzie CDC’s work here in the valley and Subscribe to these monthly Newsletters by emailing us at mckenziecdc@gmail.com or getting in touch through our Contact Us page. A huge amount of work has been done by locals, volunteers, and organizations such as the Cascade Relief Team but to bring our beautiful valley back there remains much more to do. We would love to keep you up to date and involved so subscribe now and we will email you a fresh Newsletter every month!
Donate to Help Communities on the McKenzie Recover!
Help Us Help The McKenzie Valley
You can help us reach our recovery goals by donating through the big yellow PayPal Donate button above or mailing us at PO Box 406, Walterville, OR 97489. We hope you will continue with us on our journey to a rejuvenated and beautiful McKenzie, any support you offer is much appreciated!
