U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today that Oregon will receive $5.5 million in federal funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act to replace aging water delivery infrastructure in communities across Oregon.
More than $500,000 is going to support the Umatilla Basin.
“Access to reliable and safe water is essential for communities to thrive in rural and urban Oregon,” Wyden said. “Updating our water infrastructure not only prevents waste, but keeps communities thriving. This funding is a great example of resources I fought for being directed to the much-needed upgrades, and I will continue to advocate for more projects that will deliver clean water to Oregonians.”
Merkley said access to safe, clean water is essential for the health and safety of people across Oregon.
“These funds will help update and improve water infrastructure — a top concern I hear from folks in every county of the state, especially in rural communities,” said Merkley.
The $5.5 million in federal funds come from the Department of Interior through the Bureau of Reclamation and will be distributed as follows in Oregon:
- Oregon Recreational Sites Utilities Modernization: $5,030,000
- Umatilla Project Pumping Plants Pump and Motor Replacement/Refurbishment: $544,000
“Hermiston Irrigation District and Stanfield Irrigation District are appreciative for the funding,“ said Annette Kirkpatrick, district manager of the Hermiston Irrigation District. “The funds will be used to refurbish and replace pumps and motors at the Columbia River Pumping Plant that provides water for both Districts. The Columbia River Exchange Program has been a great benefit to the Umatilla Basin. It allows the Districts to divert water from the Columbia River during summer and fall in order to maintain streamflows in the Umatilla River to support habitat and improve streamflows.”
