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

ByTom Atkinson

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

ByTom Atkinson

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…

Grant Funds Available for Businesses Strained by Holiday Farm Fire 
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Grant Funds Available for Businesses Strained by Holiday Farm Fire 

ByTom Atkinson

Businesses negatively impacted by 2020’s Holiday Farm Fire have a new funding opportunity to help restore their operations. “The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is honored to receive a $20,000 grant provided by the OCCU Foundation to help restore, rebuild, and return hope to businesses impacted by the Holiday Farm Fire,” said Chamber President and…

Updates to Cleanup Progress Tracking Tools
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Updates to Cleanup Progress Tracking Tools

ByTom Atkinson

As of last week, it is estimated that debris removal for the Holiday Farm Fire is 80 percent complete and hazard tree removal is 70 percent complete.  Recently, the Debris Management Task Force made changes to the way it collects and presents data as it learns more about on-the-ground realities in the field. Updates will…

USDA Statement on the Affordable Housing Crisis
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USDA Statement on the Affordable Housing Crisis

ByTom Atkinson

WASHINGTON, August 25, 2021 — As the nation continues to grapple with an affordable housing crisis worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, USDA is committed to supporting our tenants and owners. In addition to previous actions taken by the Biden Administration, USDA will now offer: Additional support to property owners waiting to receive the U.S. Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance…

Oregon Coronavirus Recovery Resources
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Oregon Coronavirus Recovery Resources

ByTom Atkinson

Source: Defazio.House.gov For the most up-to-date information on what you should know about the coronavirus, state and local updates, and travel advisories please visit the following websites: General information – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Status in Oregon – Oregon Health Authority Travel information – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Avoid Coronavirus Scams – Federal…

New Updates to the Step 2 Cleanup Progress Page
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New Updates to the Step 2 Cleanup Progress Page

ByTom Atkinson

Source: DebrisCleanupNews.com Data tells the story of wildfire debris cleanup and recovery and the work underway to support Oregon wildfire survivors as they plan for their next chapter. From homeowners wanting to know the status of where their property is at in the cleanup process, to lawmakers seeking information to guide their decision-making, having access…

Most of Oregon Under Air Quality Advisory
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Most of Oregon Under Air Quality Advisory

ByTom Atkinson

Source: OregonSmoke.Blogspot.com Location: Willamette Valley, Central Oregon, Eastern Oregon and Southern Oregon End date: Monday, Aug. 16 Smoke source: Fires in Oregon, Washington, California and Canada The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Southwest Clean Air Agency and Lane Regional Air Protection Agency issued and extended air quality advisories Friday for many parts of Oregon due to smoke from…

FEMA Test of the Emergency Alert System TODAY – 11th Aug.
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FEMA Test of the Emergency Alert System TODAY – 11th Aug.

ByTom Atkinson

FEMA will conduct a national test of Wireless Emergency Alert (text alerts) & the Emergency Alert System (TV and radio) on August 11 at 11:20 AM PST. If you receive this test please read it carefully so that you do not confuse it with a real-time emergency alert from Lane County. ⚠️The WEA test message…