Governor Kate Brown Announces County Risk Level Changes
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Governor Kate Brown Announces County Risk Level Changes

ByTom Atkinson

With hospitalization rate leveling, 15 counties to return to High-Risk effective Friday, May 7 (Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today announced updates to county risk levels under the state’s public health framework to reduce transmission and protect Oregonians from COVID-19. With the statewide seven-day average increase for hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients dropping below 15…

Recovery At A Glance – Lane County Apr. 2021
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Recovery At A Glance – Lane County Apr. 2021

ByTom Atkinson

Source: FEMA–DR 4562-OR–Fact Sheet #149 | Apr. 28, 2021 (As of Apr. 26, 2021, unless otherwise noted) 386 individuals and households have been approved for more than $2.5 million in federal grants through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. More than $6.4 million in U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans have been approved for 53…

Public Safety Power Shutoff Events
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Public Safety Power Shutoff Events

ByTom Atkinson

Source: LaneElectric.com Overview A Public Safety Power Shutoff, also called a PSPS, occurs in response to severe weather. We turn off power to help prevent wildfire and keep our community safe. Multiple factors are considered when deciding to turn off your power, and we take the decision very seriously. How a PSPS is Determined: We…

Senator Merkley: Wildfire Damage Rapid Relief Program
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Senator Merkley: Wildfire Damage Rapid Relief Program

ByTom Atkinson

It’s been almost eight months since last year’s unprecedented wildfires broke out over Labor Day weekend — claiming nine lives, leveling entire communities, and costing families their homes and livelihoods. While we’ve made a lot of progress in helping to rebuild and recover, much work remains to be done to help Oregonians affected by these…

Firewise Grant Incentive Program
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Firewise Grant Incentive Program

ByTom Atkinson

Source: LaneCounty.org Program Overview  The Firewise Grant Incentive Program is administered by the Lane County Land Management Division’s Long Range Planning and Building programs, with funding provided through Title III of the Federal Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Program – Section 601 of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. The grant program offers…

Wildfire-Impacted Domestic Well Testing
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Wildfire-Impacted Domestic Well Testing

ByTom Atkinson

Source: Oregon.gov Water Testing Voucher/Reimbursement DEADLINE Fast approaching – open now through May 15th. Vouchers Expire June 7, 2021. If you sustained losses or damage due to wildfires beginning September 7, 2020, you may be eligible for free private well testing.  Beginning in February 2021, The Oregon Health Authority will provide vouchers for private or “domestic” water…

Hazard Tree Removal Update
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Hazard Tree Removal Update

ByTom Atkinson

The State’s Debris Management Task Force published an article earlier this month to share more information about how the hazard tree marking and removal process works.  Distinct, separate duties between those marking the trees and those who remove them helps ensure accountability and quality. The arborist/forester assessment and evaluation process happen separately from the tree…

Goodpasture Covered Bridge delays next week
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Goodpasture Covered Bridge delays next week

ByTom Atkinson

Lane County Public Works’ Bridge Crew will be replacing damaged deck boards on Goodpasture Covered Bridge from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. starting next Monday, May 3 through Thursday, May 6. The bridge will remain open, but drivers should expect delays of up to 20 minutes.  Replacing the damaged boards is necessary due to the…

Low-Income Housing Opportunity for Fire Survivors
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Low-Income Housing Opportunity for Fire Survivors

ByTom Atkinson

Source: McKenzieRebuilds.org There is another housing opportunity open for low-income Lane County residents. Fire survivors are eligible to apply.  Homes for Good will be accepting waitlist pre-applications for 2-, 3-, & 4-Bedroom Public Housing Scattered Site Duplexes in Veneta from Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 9am until Tuesday May 4, 2021 at 4pm. Waitlists are…