In a recent Skagit County government meeting, officials discussed the long-awaited progress on a grant aimed at addressing the aftermath of a significant flooding and wind event that occurred in 2021. This disaster, which led to the degradation of the Useac property along the river, has taken three years to navigate through the necessary processes to secure funding from FEMA.

The flooding caused severe damage to the property, prompting the county to pursue a grant that would allow the property owner, Mr. Uciak, to purchase a new home. The funding, which is being provided through FEMA and the state, is based on a pre-disaster evaluation of the property’s value. The plan includes not only the purchase of a new home but also the demolition of the existing structure, ensuring that the site is made safe by properly capping the septic system and well.

Once these actions are completed, the area will be returned to its natural state, with no further development planned. Officials emphasized that this is a unique situation, as the county does not typically engage in property purchases. However, the disaster declaration and subsequent FEMA funding have made this project possible.

The meeting highlighted the collaborative effort of county officials over the past three years to bring this project to fruition. The challenges faced during this time underscore the complexities involved in disaster recovery and the importance of federal support in such situations. As the county moves forward, the focus will remain on ensuring the safety and environmental integrity of the affected area.