YACHATS — The public is invited to take part in a workshop Thursday evening to collaborate with city staff in identifying needs and priorities in shoring up critical infrastructure to prepare to respond to emergencies and hazards.
The Oregon Department of Energy awarded Yachats a $100,000 renewables and resiliency grant to help plan and study incorporating renewable energy and emergency preparedness to help reduce risks to the city. The focus for improvements center on the 15 acres that encompasses city hall, the library, Commons, wastewater treatment facility, pavilion and park.
The grant funds a process to build on existing city planning work with community input to: anticipate hazard events and community needs; plan renewable energy and power storage improvements to adapt and recover from hazard events; identify priority projects to reduce power, communication, and access disruptions; tailor improvements for residents who rely on essential civic services.
“After seeing how natural disasters have made life especially challenging in places like Puerto Rico and Maui, with the long-term loss of power, clean water and secure locations for basic first aid and information, I’m excited to get to work on this grant,” said interim city manager Rick Sant. “Yachats is in a very isolated location that is vulnerable to disasters like we are seeing more and more all over the world. This project can make us safer and more secure.”
Public engagement events begin with a community workshop 6-8 p.m., Thursday Oct. 19 in the Commons multipurpose room. That will be followed by an open house 6-8 p.m. Nov. 16, and an online open house 6-8 p.m. Dec. 14. The process will be guided by city staff and energy and design consultants. All are welcome and food and drinks will be provided.
To learn more and RSVP go here.