Challenge
Wildfires happen in many places in our country but occur more commonly in the western states. Millions of acres are destroyed by these catastrophic fires that send thousands fleeing to safety every year.
In September through November 2020, a wildfire known as the South Obenchain Fire caused destruction throughout Southern Oregon. The unusually high winds and dry weather caused the raging fire to spread rapidly impacting lives, the economy, wildlife, and the environment.
Solution
Located in the beautiful Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon, the Eagle Point Fire District was in the path of the devastating fire. The top of the culvert was made of wood and damaged by the fire. The District replaced the 18-ft long x 18-ft wide x 2-ft high 8-inch damaged wooden top with a metal one for safety and longevity.
“Although located in somewhat of a remote area, the functional box culvert is essential for operational and maintenance duties as well as useful for pedestrians at Eagle Point,” said David Ford, Manager of the Eagle Point Irrigation District.
An important technique utilized at the District involves water flowing down a flume at a rapid pace and making a 90 degree turn in the box culvert with extreme force. Protection from the gushing water is vital for crossers of the channel.
The top of the culvert protects workers, animals, and pedestrians from falling into the waterway.
The Irrigation District, established in April 1919, is a cooperative organization, and every landowner is a member of the organization. The District provides water to 8,260 acres of land and 540 patrons. The Eagle Point area is known for its quality grass hay produced by the local farmers.
Employees at the District include two ditch riders, two canal patrolmen and two equipment operators who walk across the culvert year-round on a regular basis to fix problems along the canal. “Employee and public safety were considered when planning the repair of the culvert,” said Ford.
Since there was a need for funding, the District applied for a grant through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program (PA). PA is a reimbursement program that provides federal funding to help communities respond to and recover from disasters. It is a cost-sharing program that requires a 25% non-federal match. The total cost amounted to $33,000 and the non-federal cost share was $8,250..
Construction began on in late-March 2021 and was completed within six weeks in early May. “This turned out to be a good mitigation concept. We are completely happy with the way it turned out. The metal cover allows pedestrians and workers to safely cross without fear of falling into the rushing water in the canal,” said Ford.
“FEMA representatives, as well as all District staff, are happy with the outcome. Isincerely appreciate the assistance we received from the mitigation staff who worked onthe project,” said Ford.
Since it took less than two months to finish this project, the FEMA staff were able to observe the outcome while still working in Oregon.
“Looking at the result was a unique and rewarding experience,” said Angel Morales, FEMA 406 Mitigation Crew Leader for the project.
Key Takeaways
- Public Assistance Mitigation is a viable option for communities:
- The 406 grant is managed by the state under funding provided for in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Section 406 mitigation measures are funded under the Public Assistance, or Infrastructure, program (PA).
- 406 funding provides discretionary authority to fund mitigation measures in conjunction with the repair of the disaster-damaged facilities, so is limited to declared counties and eligible damaged facilities.
- Section 406 is applied on the parts of the facility that were damaged by the disaster and the mitigation measure directly reduce the potential of future, similar disaster damages to the eligible facility.
- Applicants who have questions regarding the Section 406 mitigation program should contact the State Public Assistance Officer assigned to their projects.
- FEMA Public Assistance will fund mitigation measures for permanent work (categories C - G)
For additional information, visit the Eagle Point Irrigation District website.