Spokane County commissioners met to discuss the third substantial amendment to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) disaster‑recovery program for residents impacted by the Oregon Road and Gray Road wildfires. The changes focus on expanding single‑family housing assistance, clarifying reimbursement rules and increasing the income eligibility threshold.
Housing budget gets a $8 million boost
Staff outlined a reallocation of roughly $8 million from planning, public services and economic revitalization into the housing category. The new housing budget now totals $27,789,000, allowing the county to fund more single‑family reconstruction, debris removal, property remediation and direct reimbursements.
Single‑family focus, multifamily program removed
The county renamed its reconstruction rehab effort the “single‑family housing recovery program” and folded debris removal, reimbursements and remediation into that umbrella. The previous multifamily new‑construction program was eliminated, with its resources redirected to support as many homeowners as possible before pursuing other projects.
Eligibility and reimbursement changes
After public feedback, commissioners approved raising the income eligibility ceiling from 120 % to 150 % of the area median income for all grant components. Staff also introduced a reimbursement‑cap matrix to give applicants a clearer picture of maximum awards.
Reimbursement language was revised to address confusion from residents. The county now seeks to allow claims dating back to the day the fires occurred through the allocation award period, and it is asking HUD for additional time so homeowners can gather paperwork. Jennifer Swisher, a county official, said the goal is to extend the reimbursement deadline beyond the current January 2027 target, potentially to the end of next year.
Support for debris removal and insurance coordination
George Dahl, County Housing and Community Development Administrator, emphasized that many residents are more concerned about debris removal than housing. “What we’re hearing from the community is less so on the housing, say the reimbursements, and more so on the debris removal,” Dahl said.
Staff warned that debris costs can be significant, especially on larger parcels where trees that survived the fire later died during an exceptionally dry summer. Assistance decisions will consider each applicant’s situation, including a duplication‑of‑benefits review that accounts for insurance payouts and FEMA assistance already received.
Long‑term recovery group and financing options
Residents are encouraged to begin the process with the county’s long‑term recovery group, which will review cases and help determine eligibility. Technical questions can be escalated from the group to county staff and, if needed, to HUD.
Commissioners also discussed financing gaps for homeowners who lack upfront cash for cleanup or rebuilding while awaiting reimbursement. County finance staff have reached out to local credit unions about possible no‑interest or low‑interest cash‑flow options.
Separate $4 million contract for recovery services
A $4 million contract for the long‑term recovery group is expected to appear on the legislative agenda. The contract allocates roughly $1 million for reimbursements, $2 million for construction, $500,000 for debris removal and $500,000 for operating costs.
Officials clarified that the federal funding applies only to the Oregon Road and Gray Road fires, not the Spokane Complex fires. However, the county has set aside $200,000 from its general fund to support Spokane Complex recovery efforts.
Public comment period
The amendment is open for public comment on the county website through November 9. Commissioners will not vote on the changes until the comment period closes.
While the process has been described as “a little bumpy at first” due to federal requirements, Dahl urged residents to stay patient and continue working with the long‑term recovery group to secure the assistance they need.
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
