November 18, 2003
Washington, DC – U.S.
Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) today announced
Senate approval of $4.5 million in economic development and infrastructure
funds for Oregon. These funds were included in the FY2004 Veterans
Affairs, Housing and Urban Development and Independent Agencies
spending bill.
“While focusing
on everything from estuary protection to economic development,
these funds are about making Oregon an even better place to live,
work and raise a family,” said Wyden. “These funds
will support locally driven efforts that attract new jobs and
renew Oregon’s economy.”
“The
wide range of projects funded by this bill are important to improving
Oregon’s economy and overall quality of life,” said
Smith. “From protecting our cultural history to ensuring
clean water for residents and the environment, this bill empowers
communities to improve our great state.”
The Portland Development Commission
(PDC) would receive $1.4 million for the redevelopment of the
North Macadam area. The approved funding would help develop a
waterfront greenway and provide more than 200 units of affordable
housing. An additional $200,000 for the City of Portland would
extend streetcar service to the area with the Central City Eastside
Streetcar Project. This effort will create construction jobs,
redevelop a former industrial site and employ and house hundreds
of Oregonians in the process.
The Oregon Museum of Science
and Industry (OMSI) Space Science Education Distance Learning
Center would receive $1 million to deliver space science distance
learning programs to areas of rural eastern Oregon. This distance
learning program will establish direct OMSI-based science programming
electronically via libraries, with in-person instruction via
teleconferencing at 10 public school districts.
The Astoria Column Cultural
Heritage Project would receive $100,000 to help meet a compelling
need for visitor facilities in Clatsop County for the upcoming
Lewis and Clark Bicentennial. The project will improve the historical
value of the neighborhood and help develop tourism related businesses
near the existing residential neighborhood. This project will
highlight the view of Astoria’s waterfront, often called
the “Soul of Astoria,” and bring attention to the
community where Lewis and Clark spent their first winter in the
West.
The City of Portland Wet Weather Demonstration
Project would receive $500,000 as part of a comprehensive strategy to
clean up the Willamette River, create a healthier watershed, improve habitat
for endangered fish and accomplish the goals of the Clean Water Act, the
Endangered Species Act, and the American Heritage River Program.
The City of Irrigon would receive $500,000
to upgrade its water system. The city’s rapid growth has placed
great strain on a water system designed for a much smaller town. Funds
may be used to increase the size of the city’s reservoir, purchase
water rights or replace water lines.
Oregon will also share in $19.5 million
for the National Estuary Program. The National Estuary Program was established
by Congress in 1987 to improve the quality of estuaries of national importance,
including the Lower Columbia River Estuary and the Tillamook Bay Estuary.
The City of Warrenton would receive
$750,000 to construct a wastewater outfall line into the Columbia River.
This project will bring the city into compliance with state and federal
environmental mandates, reduce current impact on fisheries habitat and
local tidelands, and protect threatened natural resource jobs.
Umatilla County would receive $50,000
to support the creation of two soccer fields, a parking area,
restroom facility, and a playground and picnic area to help bring the
community
together and revitalize this area.
The Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives
must now agree on a final FY2004 Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development
and Independent Agencies spending bill before it is sent to the president
for his signature.
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