Cleanup Update
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Cleanup Update

The Debris Management Task Force’s cleanup efforts continue across the state. For the Holiday Farm Fire, cleanup has been completed on 264 of the 285 of the properties that opted into the State’s program.  The numbers below were accurate as of October 20. You can view the live map at https://maguire.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/cc1c9d4729834dd98469536b4de6566f.  Secretary of State released audit…

The Hardest Lesson I’ve Learned – Cristian A. Collazo
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The Hardest Lesson I’ve Learned – Cristian A. Collazo

Last month Janicé Myers of Iron Forest posted on Facebook a heartfelt essay on the wildfire written by her son Cristian. I have posted her Facebook message below followed by his essay as it is full of meaning for all of us who lived through the disaster. Click Janicé’s Facebook post below to visit her…

Wildfire Survivors Living in FEMA Housing Unit Will Have Chance to Purchase
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Wildfire Survivors Living in FEMA Housing Unit Will Have Chance to Purchase

Source: McKenzieRebuilds.org At the request of the state, FEMA activated the Sales and Donations Program providing 2020 wildfire survivors the opportunity to purchase their currently occupied Transportable Temporary Housing Units (TTHU) at adjusted fair market value. Participation in this program is voluntary and an occupant’s decision not to participate does not impact their eligibility in…

New Online Recovery Tracking Tools
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New Online Recovery Tracking Tools

New recovery tracking tools have been added at www.McKenzieRebuilds.org/recovery. You can see the number of building permits under review and issued, as well as average review time compared to 2020. The linked map view shows the same information parcel by parcel and also tracks how many properties in the fire perimeter have sold since last…

Oregon State University Wildfire Survey
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Oregon State University Wildfire Survey

The purpose of this survey from Oregon State University is to examine the individual and family responses to the 2020 wildfires and smoke hazards in Oregon. In particular, the University hopes to better understand how Oregonians received or communicated information about the fires and smoke hazards. The results of the survey will be used to make…

Long Term Recovery Group Announcement
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Long Term Recovery Group Announcement

LTRG welcomes new executive director The McKenzie Valley Long-Term Recovery Group announced the hire of Devin Thompson as the Group’s new executive director. The McKenzie Valley Long-Term Recovery Group (MVLTRG) is made up of representatives from faith-based, non-profit, government, business and other organizations working to assist people and families as they recover from the Holiday…

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Offers Business Assistance
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Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Offers Business Assistance

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is offering grants ranging from $500-$1,500 for general operation costs, small business repairs, or other business-related expenses to businesses affected by the Holiday Farm Fire. The deadline to apply is October 11. Learn more about the grants and apply at www.springfield-chamber.org/wildfire-relief-grants/. For questions and/or a printable application, please contact:Dani Thompson at dani@springfield-chamber.org or…

Pure Water Partners Update
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Pure Water Partners Update

As soon as it was safe to enter the fire-impacted area, EWEB, McKenzie Watershed Council, McKenzie River Trust, the Upper Willamette Soil & Water Conservation District and other members of Pure Water Partners banded together to work with landowners to keep toxic ash and other hazardous materials from entering the river. There were a number…

USDA Launches Resource Guide to Help Rural Communities Seeking Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Assistance
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USDA Launches Resource Guide to Help Rural Communities Seeking Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Assistance

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2021 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today unveiled a resource guide as part of National Preparedness Month to help rural communities seeking disaster resiliency and recovery assistance.      This guide follows the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement of the American Jobs Plan, which targets investments to support infrastructure in…

Disaster Case Managers are here to be a Resource for your Wildfire Recovery
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Disaster Case Managers are here to be a Resource for your Wildfire Recovery

Disaster Case Managers (DCMs) from the State of Oregon and Lane County are available to help survivors navigate the recovery process and make plans for the future.  Call 833-669-0554 to get connected.  Services include: connections to local and national resources FEMA appeals SBA loans recovery of vital documents support for rebuilding, renting or relocating Or…