Alex Paul
Linn County Communications
Grants from the Oregon State Marine Board, Travel Oregon and Federal Title II, will help the Linn County Parks and Recreation Department tackle several projects in coming months, Linn County Commission members learned last week.
At their Tuesday, Aug. 12, meeting, Commissioners Roger Nyquist, Sherrie Sprenger and Will Tucker accepted the grants presented by Parks and Recreation Department Director Stacey Whaley.
Grants and projects include:
- A $150,000 grant from Travel Oregon to build a 30-foot yurt that will replace cabin 10 at Clear Lake Resort. The cabin was demolished about five years ago. The yurt will be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible. The yurt will include an indoor kitchen and restroom. Linn County Parks and Recreation will contribute matching funds.
- A $56,783 grant from the Oregon State Marine Board to install a debris boom at the Sunnyside County Park boat launch area. The new boom has already been installed, because work needed to be completed by the end of June. Whaley said public response has been positive. Linn County Parks and Recreation contributed labor, materials and equipment to install the new boom.
- A Federal Title II grant for $75,000 to be used toward replacement of the drain field at Clear Lake Resort. Linn County Parks and Recreation has contracted for a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review with Archaeological Investigations Northwest and are in the Tribal and State Historic Preservation Office comment periods until the end of September. Once approvals are secured, the goal is a spring of 2026 installation.
- An Oregon State Marine Board grant for $12,108 to purchase a trailer for a Munson landing craft boat, which was donated by the Marine Board to the Linn County Parks and Recreation Department.
- A $3,469 Oregon State Marine Board grant to add a paddle craft dock to the floating restroom on the South Santiam River arm at Foster Reservoir. The area is heavily used by people who enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, or using float tubes. Linn County will contribute labor and equipment to move it into place and install it.
In other business, the commissioners:
- Approved a new three-year contract with the Linn County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.
- Were informed by Planning & Building Department Director Steve Wills that there were 34 dwelling permits issued in July. Seven permits were for single-family units, eight were for manufactured dwellings and 16 were for additions or alterations. Three permits were issued for accessory buildings. Eight code enforcement cases were opened and 14 were closed in July.
- Appointed Jennifer Stanaway to Position 6 on the Linn County Budget Committee.
- Reappointed Michelle Hawkins as the Linn County Budget Officer.
- Approved First-Time Youth Wage Grant agreements with Cascade Timber Consulting and Pimm Farms.