Make the McKenzie Connection!
Make the McKenzie Connection!
Six-way split benefits McKenzie area
Surely smiling behind their masks while holding the $150,000 grant check for the Upper McKenzie Rural Fire District were (from left) Melanie Brite, County Emergency Program Manager Patence Winningham, Fire Chief Rainbow Plews, East Lane County Commissioner Heather Buch, and State Senator Floyd Prozanski
The McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce received a check for $35,000.
The Eugene Water & Electric Board received a check for $150,000.
"This is going to be directly infused into the community on the fire department's behalf," said Upper McKenzie Fire Chief Rainbow Plews. She was commenting after accepting a $150,000 check to help rebuild after the Holiday Farm Fire. "We are going to be looking at a long-term recovery effort starting with land acquisition in Blue River to start a new station," Plews added. "We lost everything there and this is going to go directly to that effort."
The money was part of what Lane County agencies received via House Bill 5042.
"I'm pleased that the state stepped up to meet Lane County's initial request for fire relief funding," said Oregon Senator Floyd Prozanski. "My office continues to work diligently with legislative budget-writers to secure additional funding to assist fire-impacted communities as they recover."
Other entities that received grants included the Eugene Water & Electric Board ($150,000), the McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce ($35,000), and McKenzie Fire & Rescue ($15,250).
The Lane County Sheriff's Office and Lane County Animal Services also received funding to help replace funds used for overtime or other expenses in wildfire response last fall, $52,000 and $48,600 respectively, making a total of $450,850 granted to Lane County agencies
"Working with Senator Prozanski and the Legislature to make this funding available is an important part of how we are helping to support the McKenzie community," said Commissioner Heather Buch. "Our first responders lost equipment, infrastructure and had overtime expenses and this money will help ensure that they can continue to serve their residents, as well as support the recovery efforts being undertaken by EWEB and the Chamber."
The Lane County Sheriff's Office and Lane County Animal Services also received funding to help replace funds used for overtime or other expenses in wildfire response last fall, $52,000 and $48,600 respectively, making a total of $450,850 granted to Lane County agencies.
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