Statewide, OR — The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality today announced recipients of approximately $5.2 million in funding for septic repair and replacement projects to improve public health and water quality in areas affected by the devastating 2020 wildfires. DEQ’s new Onsite Financial Aid Program is able to award the grants using funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act and at the direction of the Oregon legislature. DEQ selected proposals that will provide financial support in the form of grants to homeowners who have completed or are engaged in the process of repairing or replacing their septic systems. The projects will assist Oregonians in rebuilding and returning to communities while decreasing potential environmental pollutants from aging septic systems. Information will be available on the homeowner resources page as the projects are developed. Fall 2022 recipients and awards on the Coast include: Lincoln County, Primary location: Echo Mountain Complex Fire in Lincoln County, Project: Provides financial aid for up to 150 homeowners engaged in replacement/repair of septic systems damaged by the fire. Grant Amount: $1,164,924,20, www.co.lincoln.or.us kjacobson@co.lincoln.or.us