Oregon hasn't spent majority of 2020 wildfire recovery funds

The Oregon Housing and Community Services agency has spent less than 10% of the $422 million in federal funds intended for recovery from the 2020 Labor Day wildfires. Chief Financial Officer Caleb Yant explained that the delays are largely due to inexperience and bureaucratic red tape. Homeowners affected by the fires are required to exhaust other funding options, including state and insurance benefits, before they can access federal aid, creating additional barriers. Many residents in Jackson and Lincoln counties were on public assistance and lacked insurance, leading to repeated calls for support. Recently, OHCS negotiated with the U.

S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to loosen restrictions on the distribution of these funds. Yant expressed confidence that the Trump administration would not revoke the funds before their expiration in 2029. As Oregon prepares for another wildfire season, the effectiveness of the agency in managing these funds will be critical. The situation underscores the challenges of disaster recovery in a region susceptible to wildfires.