Air Quality Alert
The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency is indicating a hazardous air quality level for the Florence and Mapleton Area. The Air Quality Index has exceeded the 500 level which indicates Hazardous conditions. The Florence level has now increased to 593 in the most recent update and the Mapleton area is at 589. If you suffer from respiratory issues it is recommended that you stay inside. Close your windows and cover any door or area where smoke can get in. Air quality is expected to stay hazardous until late this evening or early tomorrow morning.
Mapleton Boil and Conserve Notice
For over a month now Mapleton residents have been asked to boil and conserve water. Water District superintendent Terry Saubert in August issued the requirement that began when districts water pumps failed at the end of July. It was discovered that the aging system suffered from breaks and was in poor condition. The problem was further exacerbated last week during the Sweet Creek Milepost 2 fire when hydrants were improperly turned off causing a back pressure that further damaged the system. Saubert was not immediately available for comment yesterday. Candidate for the Oregon House, Boomer Wright spoke to Coast Radio about the issue. He had been in Mapleton surveying the situation and reached out to Representative Gary Lief who is on the state water board who has agreed to look into the situation. The boil and conserve notice stands for all residents on the Mapleton system.
Development Receives LIFT Funds
The Shore Pines at Munsel Creek development was recently awarded $10,075,000 in LIFT funds. The 63 unit project is an affordable housing project with 21 units receiving a substantial rental subsidy. Legislators approved an additional 50 million dollars for projects in August for development of affordable housing projects LIFT stands for Local Innovation and Fast Track housing. This year the program has already allocated more than 125 million dollars for affordable housing around the state.
10th Coronavirus Death for Lane County
Another resident of Lane County has passed due to complications of the Coronavirus making the total 10 for COVID-19 related deaths. Lane County Public Health reported an additional 28 positive cases yesterday for a total of 803 positive tests to date. 57 people are currently considered infectious. The latest death was an 86 year old man from the Eugene/Springfield area. Statewide the total number of cases has increased by 169 cases for a total of 28,355 and 4 deaths.
Monument Installation
Work on the revision Florence gateway monuments are expected to be completed this week according to acting City Manager Megan Messmer. Electricians have finished upgrading the connections at the monument site on Maple Street and Highway 101. Messmer says as long as wind is not a factor installation can move forward.
