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Seniors benefit from disaster grant By Dani Dodge A "windfall" federal grant will allow Jackson County to expand a program helping the disabled and frail elderly during natural disasters. "We realized during the �97 flood there were things we could have done better to support that population and wanted to do better before another event," explained Sandy Eccker, the county�s emergency management coordinator. She spoke at a county commissioner meeting Wednesday. The county had been awarded $194,000 from the community development block grant fund to develop a database that would list all those who may need help during a natural disaster such as flood, fire or earthquake. On Wednesday, Jackson County commissioners accepted another $98,000 grant to expand that program and complete a plan to identify those places most likely to be hit by natural disasters. "This came to us sort of as a windfall," said County Administrator Sue Slack. "Now we can improve our hazard mitigation beyond the seniors and disabled." Jackson County had originally applied for the block grant � a federal fund administered by the state � only to develop the database. It received that $194,000 grant last year. The money allows the county to set up a voluntary database of folks who may need evacuation assistance. The county will compile the list by contacting caregivers and the Rogue Valley Council of Government�s senior and disabled services office. Only those who request to be put on the list will be added. Then, if there is an emergency like flooding of Bear Creek, anyone on the list who lives in the affected area will be contacted by emergency services. The type of contact would depend on the type of crisis. Work developing the database was just beginning when, just this month, the state made more grants available. Eccker pointed out Jackson County�s need of a plan that would map out potential natural disasters and how they are likely to unfold. The county was given $98,000 to develop the program. Projects to be completed with the extra money include a flood plain map for the city of Phoenix. "They have a higher potential for damage in their community," said Eccker. County commissioners gratefully accepted the additional grant and wholeheartedly supported the database project. "This is real good program for us to look at and accept the funding," Walker said. The project is expected to be completed in October. For more information on the program or to get on the response assistance list, contact Eccker at 774-6821. Reach reporter Dani Dodge at 776-4471, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.