SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Communities affected by the Gray and Oregon fires are still in the process of rebuilding, and a recent $44 million federal boost is set to aid their efforts.
According to Spokane County Commissioner Josh Kerns, many residents are still living in RVs more than 500 days after the fires, which are considered the worst natural disaster in modern Spokane County history.
The federal assistance, part of a $12 billion act approved by Congress to help communities affected by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024, promises to provide substantial support. Andrew Lofton, HUD Northwest Regional Administrator, assured, “This represents a promise. A promise that HUD will stand with you as you rebuild.”
The funds are expected to be more flexible than previous allocations, allowing for various uses such as supporting small businesses, replacing affordable housing, and rebuilding local infrastructure.
“Hopefully through this community process we’ll be able to find different pockets where these funds can help fill and complete the process of rebuilding both these communities,” County Commissioner Al French, who represents Medical Lake, said.
In addition to recovery efforts, 15% of the funds are dedicated to mitigation efforts to prevent future disasters.
“We just want to make sure that folks know that we will utilize these dollars to the best of their ability to help as many folks as possible, to improve and provide safety and resiliency for areas impacted by these fires,” Commissioner Kerns said.
Despite the allocation of funds, the county estimates it will take at least six months to finalize a plan and begin utilizing the funds. Spokane County Commissioners plan to host community meetings in Medical Lake and Elk to figure out where the funding is needed the most.
