According to OregonLive, a state refinancing program for underwater borrowers is slowly gaining ground across the state, with the initiative expanding to Clackamas and Washington counties.

The Rebuilding American Homeownership Pilot Program refinances mortgages for homeowners who owe more on their loan than their home is worth, lowering their monthly payment or letting them pay down their loan more quickly. It was first opened to Multnomah County homeowners in June.

The program — a pilot for a broader refinance program proposed by Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore. — designed to reach homeowners whose loans aren’t eligible for the federal Home Affordable Refinance Program because they’re not insured by the government-sponsored loan giants Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Most conventional lenders won’t refinance underwater mortgages because they are at greater risk of foreclosure.