EWEB broadens septic system grant program to help those affected by Holiday Farm Fire | Local

EUGENE, Ore. – The Eugene Water and Electric Board announced Tuesday that it is expanding the requirements of its septic tank repair and replacement grant program to help residents of the McKenzie River watershed affected by the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire were affected.

EWEB’s septic tank grant program has more than $1 million in available funding. Therefore, the utility is expanding the program to meet the September 2024 funding allocation deadline, EWEB said. The customer-owned utility said Jan. 9 that it distributed nearly $850,000 in 2023 to help homeowners in the McKenzie River watershed affected by the Holiday Farm Fire repair or replace their septic systems .

“At this time, we encourage everyone in eligible areas to apply,” said Misty Fisher, EWEB customer programs coordinator. “Once you have applied, we can match your request to the resources available to us. If we are unable to offer you these grants, we can recommend other sources of funding and still help you.”

EWEB said the grants will be available up to $35,000 depending on the type of wastewater system and household income qualifications for properties within the Holiday Farm Fire footprint as well as the McKenzie watershed above the Hayden Bridge. Applicants must be the current property owner. Repairs or installations to the septic system must be performed by the property owner or a DEQ-certified installer and inspected for final approval by Lane County, officials said. According to EWEB, applicants outside the fire area must have a household income 300% below federal poverty guidelines.

The grant program is made possible through a collaboration with Lane County and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Onsite Financial Aid Program, EWEB said.

More information about the EWEB Septic Tank Repair and Replacement Grant Program can be found online.