Lemmon Valley was hit hard this summer by flash flooding, and residents have expressed frustration at what they said was lack of support and help from Washoe County (watch video).
At last week’s North Valleys Citizen Advisory Board meeting in Stead, a number of residents spoke angrily about what they said was negligence in ditch construction and maintenance by the county.
County Commission Jeanne Herman fielded questions from the group and said she has been advocating for funding to help with repairs to homes damaged by floods. She encouraged residents to speak at County Commission meetings and to contact other county commissioners with their concerns
Today, Assistant County Mountain Kevin Schiller sent an announcement that grant funds are available for home repairs.
Last month, Commissioner Herman, Assistant County Manager Kevin Schiller and the Grants Management Unit staff had begun exploring all other available resources at the state and federal level to provide any possible assistance. Efforts have also begun to request assistance from private donors. Thus far, the county was able to obtain some Community Development Block Grant funds to assist in financial relief. These funds may be used for rehabilitation that include: flooring, and/or limited structural repairs to make these homes safer, and healthier. Funds cannot be used for landscaping or other nonessential repairs and have associated income eligibility requirements.
If you are a resident who would like to be considered for the available grant funds, please the attached form (Lemmon Valley FINAL). If you know of someone who did not receive a letter but should have, we would greatly appreciate you informing them that they can access the form on the county’s website at: www.Washoecounty.us or call Andrea Tavener at (775)-328-2720.
We would appreciate you returning the form by October 23 , 2015 (UPDATE: the deadline has been extended to October 31, 2015). Please return the completed form to Washoe County Manager’s Office in care of Andrea Tavener at PO Box 11130 Reno, NV 89520-0027. The County Manager and his staff as well as the Washoe County Commissioners, all care deeply for the residents of Lemmon Valley and are working diligently to find solutions and support to assist in the necessary resources to clean up, rebuild and/or fix Lemmon Valley resident’s property and homes.
