Days Creek was awarded $2.4 million from the State of Oregon Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program to make seismic upgrades.
“They want to make it so buildings can withstand an earthquake and can be utilized after an earthquake,” Days Creek superintendent Joe LaFountaine said. “They have been distributing $175 per year statewide. There are projects going on all over the state.”
Construction crews have been working on the upgrades since early May and are expected to be complete by the 2025-26 school year.
The work on the gym includes removing the existing T-111 plywood siding and drywall. Crews from Ausland Construction have been installing new plywood and will add new pre-painted metal siding that LaFountaine said will give the gym an rigid structure and will be extremely durable.
Following the last day of school, crews will be able to ramp up construction, especially on the roof and foundation.
Contractors include Ausland, WRK Engineers, Sims Electric, and ZCS Engineering.
“We try to keep as much of the money in the county as we can by using local contractors,” LaFountaine said.
LaFountaine said the school is pursuing another seismic grant through the same program to make additional upgrades to the building.
“Grants are designed for specific programs, and we have our own money from improvement funds that we can add to projects,” he said.
Work is expected to be completed before the start of the 2025-26 school year.
