Holiday Farm Fire Resources and Support

Federal funding issued through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is available to help eligible McKenzie River community members impacted by the Holiday Farm Fire re-establish functioning septic systems and protect the river from pollution. Additional details on the program and eligibility requirements can be found on the Landowner Assistance Programs page.

For homeowners who have entered into loan agreements with EWEB’s 0% Septic Infrastructure Loan Program, grant funding will first apply to any outstanding balance. If the approved grant funding amount exceeds the loan payoff amount, EWEB will issue a check for the remainder.

If you have question please give us a call or email (541-685-7318, misty.merriam@eweb.org).

Eligible landowners in the Holiday Farm Fire perimeter can be awarded up to $7,000 for rebuilding their homes or septic systems outside of the riparian setback or special flood hazard area. 

Relocation Incentive  

Property owners who move their building footprints further back from a waterway will be eligible for $2,000 in advance of construction, which is intended to reward landowners for rebuilding in a way that protects water quality.  

Infrastructure Grants 

Additionally, EWEB will offer grant funding for landowners who install advanced septic systems or incur out-of-pocket expenses to relocate their infrastructure in order to minimize risk to the McKenzie River. The grant amount will be 50% out of pocket expenses not to exceed $5,000.

Eligibility

Customers interested in the Homesite Relocation Program must first secure land use and building permits through Lane County.  Lane County will inform landowners of site relocation options and eligibility for EWEB funding programs.  

Other eligibility criteria:

• Property must be located within the Holiday Farm Fire perimeter.
• Property must be located within the Pure Water Partners program boundary.
• Existing or prior land use permit is located within the riparian setback area or Special Flood Hazard Area.
• Property relocation must meet or improve adherence to current riparian setback or Special Flood Hazard Area requirements.
• Lane County Land Use and Building permits must be secured by October 1, 2025.

FEMA may provide financial assistance for the repair of real property components, including wells and septic systems, which includes reimbursement for the cost of a licensed technician's professional assessment associated with the repair or replacement of those components. Additionally, when verifiable receipts or estimates are submitted on appeal, FEMA may pay up to the actual cost of the receipt or estimate for wells and septic systems, within the Housing Assistance cap of $35,500.  

Because water/sewer capacity is a necessity for a home to be habitable, a homeowner who had no damage to their structure but their well or septic system was damaged could still be eligible for well/septic assistance, even though their home was not damaged. Similarly, most insurance does not cover wells/septic systems, so even insured applicants could be eligible for this assistance, up to the maximum grant amount. They would have to provide a copy of their insurance settlement for review to ensure there is not a duplication of benefits.   Survivors who have questions or need assistance may call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. A Helpline Agent can discuss the specifics of their case and provide guidance needed to address their questions.