Klamath County, Oregon – Officially starting its application process for the Title III grant program, Klamath County offers a major funding source for local initiatives aiming at improving environmental management and community safety. With an allocated budget of around $1,000,000, the grant aims to fund projects under three distinct categories: Firewise, Search and Rescue, and Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Starting on October 1, 2024, the application window for this financing possibility will stay open until October 31, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Local businesses and community groups must submit their initiatives for review during this time. Projects submitted after the October deadline or those failing to meet the strict requirements set under each category will not be eligible for financing.
This grant program is part of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, specifically under Title III as renewed in Public Law 115-141. Specifically with regard to wildfires and emergency responses, the law underlines the need of local community participation in controlling and reducing risks to the environment. A 45-day public comment period is one of the main criteria of the funds, which lets people express their ideas and help to shape decisions in their community.
The projects will go under a thorough review by the Committee and Klamath County Commissioners when the public comment period ends. This stage guarantees that every sponsored initiative fits legal criteria and community needs. By December 31, 2024, agreements with successful applicants are expected to be carried out.
The category criteria have changed this year to better reflect the changing needs of the community and the landscapes they protect. Title III payments under the designated part of Public Law 115-141 are also available to repay expenses related with search and rescue activities, firefighting, and law enforcement patrols carried out in national forests and select BLM areas financed by the county.
The Klamath County Finance Grants page provides further information and submission applications for prospective candidates. This tool is meant to help candidates through the submission process and guarantee that every proposal satisfies the requirements to be eligible for financing.
All qualified entities are encouraged to look over the requirements and apply within the specified deadline. Interested parties should call Klamath County Finance at 541.883.4202 for additional help or questions. For Klamath County, this funding program offers a great chance to strengthen its emergency response capacity and improve the community infrastructure against natural disasters.
