Empowering Homeowners in Central Oregon: Grants Allocated for Septic Repairs and Replacements
BEND, Oregon — The Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC) is delighted to unveil a groundbreaking initiative that promises transformative support for homeowners across Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties. The Central Oregon Septic Assistance Program (COSAP) has emerged as a beacon of financial aid for individuals and families with moderate income levels, ushering in a new era of sustainability, water protection, and community well-being.
COSAP’s vision is rooted in its commitment to safeguarding groundwater quality and human health. This visionary program aims to empower homeowners facing the challenges of septic repairs or replacements by providing them with crucial financial relief. The implications extend far beyond immediate assistance, as COSAP’s initiatives hold the potential to secure the quality of water resources for future generations.
Christopher Haindel, a dedicated sanitarian from Crook County, aptly captures the essence of COSAP’s mission. “Protecting the quality of our water for future generations is paramount. This funding will directly impact those in our community who are most in need,” emphasizes Haindel. As a vital member of the Steering Committee, Haindel’s dedication has played a pivotal role in the inception and realization of COSAP.
Launching its user-friendly application, accessible in both English and Spanish, COSAP is making strides to ensure that homeowners can easily tap into this invaluable resource. Homeowners within the target counties are urged to apply swiftly, recognizing that this window of opportunity is time-sensitive. The program’s seamless review process, conducted collaboratively by COIC staff and the Steering Committee, is designed to provide applicants with swift responses, with notifications expected within a mere two weeks of submission. COSAP’s grants are poised to redefine assistance, aligning with eligibility criteria and program allotment.
COSAP’s comprehensive scope encompasses both standard septic systems and alternative treatment systems, enabling diverse homeowners to benefit from this program. It doesn’t stop there—COSAP even extends its support to projects seeking sewer line connections, as long as the original septic system is in need of repair or replacement. The reimbursement-based grants can also contribute to loan principal forgiveness, further easing the financial burden for homeowners. It’s important to note that COSAP is tailored for existing developments, underscoring its commitment to enhancing the lives of residents.
This commendable program thrives on collaboration and partnership. The alignment of Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties, coupled with the dedication of county sanitarians, local contractors, NeighborImpact, and the Latino Community Association, underscores the collective commitment to community well-being. COSAP’s origins are traced back to the invaluable support of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the American Rescue Plan Act, both instrumental in bringing this transformative initiative to life.
As COSAP sets forth on its journey to enhance lives, protect water resources, and foster thriving communities, it’s clear that this program embodies the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable progress. The launch of COSAP marks a new chapter in Central Oregon’s commitment to holistic well-being, driven by the understanding that when communities come together, transformative change becomes not just possible, but inevitable.
