Lincoln County and Oregon State University Extension Service are expanding a successful septic replacement program for wildfire survivors in Otis to include all low- and middle-income homeowners in Lincoln County with damaged septic systems.
Repair or replacement of a damaged septic system can cost from a couple thousand dollars to in excess of $10,000, the county said its announcement of the program’s expansion. To help ensure low-income residents have access to clean, safe living spaces, the county and OSU Extension have launched a countywide assistance program.
To qualify for the program, residents must prove they own the home and are low or middle income, which is based on a dollar amount that varies depending on the size of your household. For a household of one, the annual income limit is $38,640, while a household of eight qualifies for the program with a combined income of $133,980 a year or less. In between, the combined income limit for a household of four is $79,500.
If eligible and approved, homeowners could have their septic system replaced at no cost. The county already has direct pay arrangements with a few contractors but is willing to add more contractors to the program.
People who are not sure they qualify based on income but have a damaged or failing septic system they cannot afford to replace should apply or contact Kelci Free for more information at kelci.free@oregonstate.edu or 541-619-3902. The application can be found here.
