By Alex Paul
Linn County Communications

Santiam Disaster Services of Santiam Hospital & Clinics has assisted 1,221 families who were affected by the devastating Beachie Creek/Lionshead fires of Labor Day weekend 2020, Linn County commissioners learned at their June 2 meeting.

Melissa Baurer, Santiam Hospital executive director of community development, said 470 homes in Marion and Linn counties were destroyed in the fire. Some 348 have completed a household recovery plan. Of the 60 Linn County families assisted, 40 were homeowners, 18 were renters and two were unsheltered.

In total, almost $4.5 million has been raised and distributed by the Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund.

Baurer said that Linn County families have received more than $1.5 million in assistance. Linn County also provided some $150,000 in cash and gift cards to affected families immediately after the fires.

Linn County also waived permit fees and expedited building permits for families. Planning and Building Director Steve Wills said his department continues to honor that assistance program.

Baurer thanked the commissioners,  Roger Nyquist, Sherrie Sprenger and Will Tucker, for their long-term commitment to helping the canyon families.

Nyquist said Linn and Marion counties didn’t care what side of the county line someone lived on. The goal was to get them help as quickly as possible and sort out the details later.

Tucker noted that the efforts of the Santiam Disaster Services Team, the speed of its activities, the coordination of agencies and professionalism have been recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a model for the nation.

The commissioners also praised volunteers from Christian Aid Ministries, who donated thousands of hours over four years rebuilding homes on both sides of the river.

“These are Mennonite farmers who hopped on a bus and traveled west each year after farming season to help out,” Tucker said. “They are amazing.”

In a written report, Baurer noted, “We are deeply grateful to the Linn County Board of Commissioners for your steadfast support and commitment to our program and the survivors of the 2020 Labor Day fires. Your dedication has made it possible for families to rebuild their homes, restore their lives and find hope after unimaginable loss.”

In other business the commissioners:

• Approved a construction contract with North Santiam Paving Company for $2,247,650 for the North River Drive Improvement Project. The project is funded by the Federal Highway Administration and Linn County will be reimbursed at 89.73% by the FHWA Western Federal Lands.
• Approved a construction contract with North Santiam Paving Company for $992,088 for the North River Drive Public Access Improvement Project. The project is funded by the Local Agency Certification Program and Linn County will be reimbursed at 89.73% by ODOT.
• Approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Sweet Home School District, to receive surplus woody debris from the removal of hazardous trees and fallen trees during storm events. The school district uses the wood for its forestry program.
• Approved a refund of $1,100 to Terra Tech Land Surveyors in Lebanon from the Planning & Building Department.
• Approved an Enterprise Zone Exemption for ATI SAC, waiving the requirement to increase its workforce by 10%. According to John Pascone of the Linn Economic Development Group, ATI has invested $70 million in new equipment and facility modifications since 2024 and have already added 124 new employees. Co-sponsors can waive the employment requirement if the project exceeds $25 million. The tax exemption will increase from three to five years.
• Announced that the Board of Commissioners will not meet on Tuesday, June 30.