Post-2020 Labor Day Fires Economic Revitalization Program Applications Open In Spring

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — Applications for the Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Revitalization (PIER) Program, which supports economic recovery for businesses affected by the 2020 Labor Day fires in Jackson County, will open soon.

PIER Program Applications Open Soon In Jackson County

The first of its kind in Oregon, the PIER program serves economic revitalization as a disaster recovery method. Managed in Jackson County by The Jackson County Community Long-Term Recovery Group, the PIER program in Jackson County will offer resources in the form of grants and education/business service assistance for businesses to rebuild.

Loans of up to $50,000 for microenterprises and grants of up to $15,000 will be available for businesses affected by the fires in Jackson County.

Over a million dollars in funding comes more than four years after the 2020 Labor Day fires ravaged the local communities in Southern Oregon.

The PIER program has been slow to emerge, delayed by being the first of its kind combined with what local organizations see as state government bureaucracy. The program requires significant planning and preparation.

Applications for the PIER program are expected to open in the spring of 2025, and more information is available on the Oregon Government website.

Illinois Valley Community Development Organization (IVCanDO) manages the applications and list of businesses. SOU SBDC will offer assistance with the application process and education on rebuilding the business.