County and state officials have formally asked for a yearlong extension for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) housing units.
Without an extension, everyone currently in a FEMA unit would be out on the street May 12. That’s due to an 18-month statutory deadline.
Casey Hatcher Butte County’s deputy chief administrator officers said that last week, the federal agency was sent a formal request asking it to stick around.
“The county has requested that FEMA provide a one-year extension of that direct housing assistance,” she said.
Officials hope to get an answer within a month or so, Hatcher said.
More than 400 families remain in FEMA units scattered around the region.
FEMA bases its decision on a rubric dependent on the affordability and availability of housing in the general area, Hatcher said. With about 15 percent of the dwelling units in Butte County consumed by flames, housing remains an issue locally, she said.
“I think the difference in our community post Camp Fire, is that there aren’t a lot of options for people to move into,” Hatcher said.
FEMA typically only provides extensions in six-month increments.
Officials are also pondering a future for the units once FEMA disbands what it calls ‘group housing sites.’ The agency does offer a program that allows those living in units to purchase them, but Hatcher said there’s a problematic hiccup.
“Those units, unfortunately do not meet the building code for those areas, so they can’t go back onto property that’s in the fire area,” she said.
That means anyone purchasing a FEMA unit would have to find a less fire-prone site — like the valley — for it. They’d also be responsible for moving the unit, connecting it to a foundation and utilities and paying various permit fees.
Officials are still exploring options.