Are you a homeowner in the North Clackamas Revitalization Area (NCRA) looking to upgrade your private sanitary sewer system? The North Clackamas Care Program offers financial assistance to eligible homeowners like you! This grant program, facilitated by Clackamas County Service District No. 1 (CCSD#1), is designed to help with the costs of private sanitary sewer improvements, making essential upgrades more accessible to the community.
This program specifically targets homeowners within the NCRA served by CCSD#1 and provides grants to cover the expenses associated with upgrading private sewer lines. It’s important to note that the North Clackamas Care Program is dedicated to construction costs and does not cover sewer assessments, system development charges, connection fees, or monthly sewer service charges. If you require assistance with these additional costs, homeowners are encouraged to call 503-742-4567 to explore other available support programs.
Who is Eligible for the North Clackamas Care Program?
Grant funding for the North Clackamas Care Program is limited, and awards are given to eligible homeowners on a first-come, first-served basis. To qualify for this valuable assistance, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Homeownership or Homebuyer Status: Applicants must be the legal owner of the property or be in the process of buying the property within the designated NCRA area.
- Primary Residence: The property in question must serve as the applicant’s primary residence. This ensures that the benefits of the North Clackamas Care Program directly reach homeowners in need within the community.
Understanding the Income Limits for Grant Eligibility
The North Clackamas Care Program is designed to support low-to-moderate income households within North Clackamas. To determine eligibility based on income, the program utilizes annual gross income limits, which are updated periodically. As of May 1, 2024, the maximum annual gross income limits are set at 80% of the median income for the area, based on household size:
| Total Household Size | Maximum Annual Gross Income (80% of Median) effective May 1, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 1 | $66,100 |
| 2 | $75,550 |
| 3 | $85,000 |
| 4 | $94,400 |
| 5 | $102,000 |
| 6 | $109,550 |
| 7 | $117,100 |
| 8 | $124,650 |
These income thresholds ensure that the North Clackamas Care Program effectively supports those who need it most within the North Clackamas community.
What Sewer Improvement Work is Covered?
The North Clackamas Care Program grant provides financial assistance for specific types of sewer system improvements. Grants can cover eligible improvements up to a maximum of $7,500. Eligible work includes:
- Re-plumbing and Connection to Public Sewer: The grant can be used to hire licensed contractors to re-plumb your home’s private sewer lines and connect them to the public sanitary sewer system. This ensures proper and reliable wastewater management for your property.
- Decommissioning Onsite Wastewater Disposal Systems: If your property currently utilizes an onsite wastewater disposal system (like a septic tank), the grant can help cover the costs of decommissioning this system once connected to the public sewer. This transition to public sewer systems contributes to environmental safety and improved sanitation in North Clackamas.
Please note that the grant funds from the North Clackamas Care Program are specifically for hiring contractors to perform the necessary work and cannot be used to reimburse homeowners for their own labor.
Applying for the North Clackamas Care Program: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to take advantage of the North Clackamas Care Program? Here’s a detailed breakdown of the application process:
- Initial Contact with WES: The first step is to contact the Water Environment Services (WES) to begin the application process. Their staff will verify your initial eligibility for the North Clackamas Care Program based on location and basic criteria. You can reach WES to initiate your application.
- Referral to Community Development Division: If you meet the initial eligibility requirements, WES staff will refer you to the Clackamas County Community Development division. This division manages the grant application and project implementation.
- Application and Property Inspection: The Community Development division will send you a formal application for the North Clackamas Care Program. Once you submit the application, county staff will schedule a property inspection. This inspection allows them to assess the current sewer system, determine the necessary improvements, and prepare construction specifications and cost estimates tailored to your property’s needs.
- Pre-Qualified Contractor List and Bidding: The county will provide you with a list of pre-qualified, licensed, and bonded contractors who are approved to work with the North Clackamas Care Program. You will need to obtain at least two bids from contractors on this list. This competitive bidding process ensures cost-effectiveness and quality workmanship for your sewer improvements.
- Contractor Selection and Agreements: Using forms provided by the county, you will then:
- Enter into a contract with your chosen contractor: You are free to select the contractor that best meets your needs, even if they are not the lowest bidder.
- Enter into an agreement with Clackamas County: This agreement formalizes your participation in the North Clackamas Care Program and outlines the terms of the grant.
- Bid Acceptance and Work Commencement: While you are not obligated to choose the lowest bid, the bid you accept must be within 10% of the county’s initial cost estimate. This ensures responsible use of grant funds. Once a bid is accepted and agreements are in place, the sewer improvement work can begin.
- Work Inspection and Grant Approval: Throughout the construction process, county staff will conduct inspections to ensure the work is completed to standard and in accordance with the agreed-upon specifications.
- Grant Approval and Funding: The Community Development Director for Clackamas County will provide the final approval for your North Clackamas Care Program grant application upon successful completion and inspection of the sewer improvements.
By following these steps, homeowners in North Clackamas can effectively access the financial assistance offered by the North Clackamas Care Program and ensure necessary upgrades to their private sanitary sewer systems. Contact WES today to start your application and take the first step towards a more reliable and efficient sewer system!
