Central Oregon Septic Assistance Program launches second round of grant applications
Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council is announcing the second round of funding for the Central Oregon Septic Assistance Program , a project providing financial aid for homeowners at or below moderate-income levels in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties as well as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
COSAP will work with local contractors to complete payments for approved work and will provide reimbursements to qualified homeowners that are either in need of septic repairs or replacements or have recently completed septic repairs or replacements.
“After our first round of funding for the COSAP, COIC has allocated $1.3 million in grants and has distributed nearly $1 million in funding directly to homeowners throughout Central Oregon," according to Julia Baumgartner, Community Development Programs Manager at COIC.
"Throughout this process, our team has learned of the serious need to continue repairing and replacing old septic systems to mitigate the environmental and public health affects on our communities. After a successful first round of funding, we received an additional $950,000 from DEQ, which has allowed our program to expand to another round of applications. Grants of up to $30,000 will be available for homeowners that meet program criteria,”
The application will be open from March 15th to April 15th and homeowners are encouraged to apply online at www.coic.org/cosap/ . Paper copies are also available as needed.
Applicants will be reviewed by COIC staff and members of the COSAP Steering Committee, including local sanitarians. COSAP expects that applicants will be notified of their status within one month of submitting. Grants will be awarded based on eligibility criteria and distributed according to program allotment.
COSAP will provide grants for both standard septic systems and alternative treatment systems, up to $30,000. Projects looking to connect to sewer lines are also eligible for funding, provided that the original septic system needs repairs or replacement.
The grants are reimbursement-based and can be used for loan principal forgiveness. New developments are not eligible. Applicants must be the owner of the home, meet income requirements, and have a clear need for service on their septic systems.
The program is made possible thanks to collaboration from Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, county sanitarians and local contractors. COSAP is funded by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the American Rescue Plan Act.
For more information, and to find the application, visit the program website (https://www.coic.org/cosap/), call 541-508-9669, or contact your local sanitarian.
