Wildfire Recovery Residential Septic Grants
Grants are available to reimburse property owners for completed work repairing or replacing residential septic systems due to the 2020 Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fires.
Information regarding the grant program is available at the following link.
To apply for the grants, the application form is available at the following link.
North Santiam Canyon Update
Current Projects
North Santiam Sewer Authority Administrative Support
Santiam Rail Trail
Detroit Marinas Excavation
Downtown Planning and Small Business Loans
Broadband Expansion
Fire Recovery
North Santiam Sewer Authority
Background
Marion County is funding staff support for NSSA so it can become a financially and operationally independent organization.
Present
In the second half of 2022, NSSA has prepared a budget, passed a set of Financial Policies, joined the League of Oregon Cities, acquired insurance, and applied for a Ford Family Foundation grant.
Future
Looking forward into 2023, Marion County will continue to support NSSA in developing their Operational Plan.
Santiam Rail Trail
Background
Marion County received a grant to develop a recreation trail from Maples Rest Area to Gates and a potential connection to the existing Mill City bike trail.
Present
The county is in the process of hiring a consultant to provide a baseline concept plan and engineer's cost estimate by January. Marion County is seeking volunteer participants for master planning future trail extensions.
Future
When the concept plan and estimate are received, the project will move into community engagement, design, and permitting.
Detroit Marinas Excavation
Background
Marion County intends to reopen its excavation and fill permit for Detroit and Kane's Marinas.
Present
Marion County has hired Maul Foster Alongi to prepare a feasibility study which compares 3 different sediment disposal location options.
Future
In 2023, when the feasibility study is received and a location for the sediment is determined, the project will move into design and permitting.
Downtown Planning and
Small Business Loans
Background
Marion County is assisting the cities of Detroit and Gates in preparing downtown vision plans and associated amendments to their zoning codes.
Present
The cities are in the process of developing and publishing requests for proposals for planning and consultation services.
Future
When the vision plans are complete in 2023, the cities will have the opportunity to pass design ordinances. Then Marion County will assist in direct business loans to support the redevelopment
Broadband Expansion
Background
Marion County is assessing gap areas of broadband access in the North Santiam Canyon and developing policy for addressing them.
Present
The county has been meeting with key broadband stakeholders and internet service providers and developing a cost sharing program for middle-mile fiber buildouts.
Future
When underserved areas in the Canyon are identified and the cost sharing program is developed, Marion County will partner with local internet service providers to build out fiber.
Fire Recovery
Background
Marion County is working on several projects throughout the Canyon to help communities that were impacted by the fires.
Present
- Development of affordable and worker housing
- Grants to help property owners repair or replace septic systems and fire harden their properties
- Working with cities to replace critical infrastructure
- Internally reopening county roads and parks
- Continuing to develop the Canyon Recovery Plan
Future
Marion County will continue to work hard to support local areas as the recovery continues toward renewal.
Economic Development
Economic development is the concerted effort of policymakers, community leaders and entrepreneurs to grow the economy, increase employment, and improve the standards of living in Marion County.
The Community Services department works in conjunction with the Marion County Board of Commissioners and the Economic Development Advisory Board to support efforts to communicate across public and private sectors, seek efficiencies in government operations and help employers retain and create jobs.
Marion County Economic Development Strategic Plan
North Marion Business Partnership.pdf
What Does Your Business Need to Thrive.pdf
North Marion Small Business Owners Survey
