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Washington, DC--Today Congressman David Wu announced more than $35.6 million in federal dollars for seven important Oregon projects. The funding is included in H.R. 2419, the Energy and Water Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006. H.R. 2419 passed the U.S. House of Representatives today by a vote of 399 to 17.
Projects receiving funding in the bill include:
• $17 million to repair the jetties at the mouth of the Columbia River
Jetties at the mouth of the Columbia River have developed several notches, putting the jetties in danger of breaching. Should either jetty break, the shipping channel may close, potentially shutting down river traffic and commercial navigation to the entire Columbia River Navigation system. It has been estimated that river access to international markets means $14 billion in trade is shipped via Columbia River ocean-going vessels. Approximately 40,000 people depend on maritime trade on the river for jobs.
The Army Corps of Engineers has been disposing dredge material on the river side of the North Jetty to slow down the chance of a breach across the neck of this jetty to Benson Beach. This is only a short-term band aid. The South Jetty is notched in three places and needs to be shored up immediately as soon as calmer weather permits. Costs to repair the jetties following a breach are estimated at 2 to 5 times higher than if completed prior to the breach.
• $15 million for Columbia River Channel Deepening
The funds will help implement the environmental measures that were proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers in its Biological Assessment released in February 2002 for the Columbia River Channel Deepening Project.
This funding will cover the construction of nine ecosystem restoration features, construction of wetlands mitigation measures, establishment of facilities and activities that will monitor dredging for any environmental effects, and research activities for salmon recovery.
The health of the river and its many inhabitants is a critical component of the channel deepening project. It has been designed to minimize impacts on the river as well as on endangered species. In order to move forward, the project must comply with all federal and state environmental regulations.
Almost 40,000 people dependent on maritime trade on the river for jobs, it is important that this project proceed in a manner that ensures the health of the river and timely completion of the project.
• $1.9 million for ONAMI and FEI Company to develop affordable microscopes
Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI) to develop affordable electron microscopes in partnership with FEI Company of Hillsboro, Oregon and Ohio State University. FEI Company will supplement the federal dollars with a three million dollar investment in the project. This funding will position ONAMI as a national leader in nanotechnology and create about 70 new jobs in Oregon.
• $750,000 for the East Astoria Boat Basin
The Port of Astoria's East Basin has protected commercial fishing vessels from the extreme currents and waves at the mouth of the Columbia River since 1950. However, in recent years, the breakwater, owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has shown significant deterioration.
Congressman Wu has been working with the Port of Astoria and the Army Corps of Engineers since his first year in office to complete the project. He has been a persistent advocate and, to date, has secured a total of $11.25 million over seven years in federal dollars.
Congressman Wu recognizes the importance of the East Basin to the local economy. Small port-dependent businesses generate about $15 million annually and the need to provide a safe harbor is crucial to continued health of the industry and to Oregon.
• $500,000 for the Portland Armory
The Portland Armory was built in 1891 and has been granted federal historic building status. The Portland Center Stage is resurrecting this significant building with the Armory Theater project. The Armory Theater is being designed and constructed as a green building with the goal of being the first historic landmark building and the first performing arts facility in the world to achieve LEED Platinum status (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The Armory Theater will be used to tell Portland and Oregon’s sustainability story to the world.
Funding will be used for water conservation including rainwater harvesting. Storm water runoff will be collected in an underground cistern. This non-potable water will be used for flushing toilets. Additionally, an outside “Sliver Park” is planned for the north side of the building. Bioswales in the park will cleanse storm water runoff. The sliver park will also provide a landscaped respite for the residents of the neighborhood, visitors to the Pearl district and theater patrons.
• $287,000 for the Tualatin River Basin Water Supply Project
The project addresses the long-term water supply for Washington County residents and businesses. Demand for water in the Tualatin Basin is expected to double by 2050. The $287,000 Congressman Wu secured today will help continue to fund the Environment Impact Statement (EIS). This is in addition to $250,000 Congressman Wu secured in fiscal year 2005 toward the EIS. Washington County officials and water agency representatives hope the EIS is completed by the summer of 2006.
• $150,000 for Portland State University's Solar Photovoltaic Test Facility
With these funds, Portland State University will continue its work as a leader in building a sustainable urban campus. This project would be the first large-scale solar test facility installation on a university campus to be used primarily as an educational and research tool.
PSU will use this funding to support the primary objectives of the project, including demonstrating PSU’s leadership in sustainability; providing educational opportunities for the University and the Portland community; and supporting the market for solar energy technologies. In the interest of enhancing educational opportunities and research value, the Solar Photovoltaic Test Facility System will be used to evaluate various components of a solar power system.
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