Deschutes Co. reports progress on FEMA flap

Deschutes County officials said Wednesday they have made “significant progress” in resolving the ongoing issue of reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency under its Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program.

Thanks to coordinated efforts with Oregon Emergency Management, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Rep. Greg Walden, the county said it has reached an agreement with FEMA on the final reimbursement for hazardous fuels reduction work performed under the 2007 FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant and the process by which to proceed under a 2010 grant.

FEMA will reimburse Deschutes County $4,705 under the 2007 grant. FEMA and OEM are working on an agreement to administer the 2010 fuels reduction grant through the Oregon Department of Forestry, an agency familiar with wildfire risk and fuels reduction.

“For Deschutes County, the threat of wildfire is a reality. These funds are critical as they provide the ability for us to reduce this risk and protect our communities,” said Commissioner Tammy Baney.

“I am encouraged at the progress we have made toward a solution and look forward to finalizing the outstanding grant reimbursements.”

Two grants were awarded in 2007 and 2008 to perform hazardous fuels reduction work on private lands in high-fire risk areas in Deschutes and Crook counties. Reimbursement under the 2008 grant is still under review by FEMA.

The 2010 grant requested $3 million to treat hazardous fuels in Deschutes, Crook and Klamath counties. Continued progress under this grant will allow the three counties to begin treatment projects as early as spring 2013.