Linn County Stories
Lack of Funding Raises Health Concerns
There is little funding available to address post-disaster crisis counseling or health related needs
The safety of all residents is compromised when buildings and homes are left abandoned.
As the impact of the flood plays out, people may lose jobs and homelessness and bankruptcy can also rise. Information from other communities which have faced disasters tells us that crime is likely to increase as people struggle to rebuild their lives.
Temporary Space
Ten of Linn County’s 14 public buildings were damaged in the flood and two-thirds of Linn County staff continue to work in temporary office facilities.
Limited borrowing capacity to restore damaged public buildings:
Federal assistance for damaged public buildings strongly favors repair to pre-disaster condition which may not be the best long-term solution for the community. Federal funds must be accessed within a relatively short time frame. These conditions remove alternatives from consideration that may be a better long term solution but would require the customary bond referendum process by one or more public bodies. Linn County supports increasing bonding (borrowing) capacity to restore damaged public buildings that are part of a presidential disaster declaration.
Potential for mold in homes that were flooded
The potential for mold in flood-damaged homes is a community concern. Linn County Public Health (LCPH) is conducting flood-related assessments (which includes mold assessments and mitigation recommendations) for homes damaged by the June flood. In addition, LCPH is conducting a childhood asthma program that includes educational consultations and an indoor air quality assessment. Linn County residents with concerns about mold in their homes should contact Linn County Public Health at (319) 892-6000.
Linn County Contacts:
- Joi Bergman, Grants and Communications Manager
joi.bergman@linncounty.org
(319) 892-5118- Lu Barron, Chair Linn County Board of Supervisors
lu.barron@linncounty.org
(319) 892-5000