Union County Approves Grant Funding for Wildfire Preparedness and Equipment

UNION COUNTY – In early May, the Oregon State Fire Marshal announced that Union County had received $76,800 dollars in funding as part of the Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Grants Program. At the June 7, 2023, Union County commission meeting, the Board of Commissioners officially approved this funding.

For those that missed the initial announcement, Union County Emergency Manager Nick Vora explained that the funds will be split between two major projects. Approximately $35,000 will go toward purchasing a drum style masticator to be fitted to a Union County Public Works Excavator. In the event of a wildfire, the masticator will be used to create defensible spaces around roadways and evacuation routes. Vora further explained during the commission meeting that the masticator being examined for purchase may cost slightly more than the funds allocated by the grant, though this will be covered by the Public Works budget. 

The remaining $41,000 will go toward updating Union County’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) which is several years out of date. The updated plan will help identify community wildfire risks, outline wildfire mitigation actions, and plan areas for improvement within the CWPP.

The grant itself is categorized as direct disbursement, with funds being distributed as soon as the county approves. Once allocated, Union County will have two years to update the protection plan and three years to close on all grant activities. For more information on the grants and the Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Grants Program, see the initial announcement at Union County Receiving $76,800 for Community Wildfire Preparedness and Equipment – Elkhorn Media Group

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Elkhorn Media Group