Federal grant to aid fire victims

Concow residents whose homes were destroyed during the devastating wildfires of 2008 will soon receive a helping hand.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded Butte County a grant of nearly $3.1 million that will be allocated to the rebuilding efforts of low-income residents as well as improvements to fire-damaged roads. The award is in addition to a $4.3 million grant to the county back in December.

“This is great news for our community,” said District 1 Supervisor Bill Connelly in a press release. “The fires in 2008 destroyed 308 homes and devastated many families. Many of them do not have the financial ability to rebuild.”

Two community meetings are scheduled this month to provide info about the grant. The first will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Grange Hall in Yankee Hill. The second is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Paradise Town Council chambers.