Hermiston Among Cities Getting Funding to Fight Climate Change

The city of Hermiston will receive a $1 million federal grant to plant new trees along the Umatilla River.

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced on Thursday that Oregon has earned more than $58 million in federal grants from the Inflation Reduction Act to plant and maintain trees, combat extreme heat and climate change, and improve access to nature in cities, towns and suburbs.

“Sweltering heat and record-breaking temperatures harm public health and create huge energy demands that drive up costs for Oregonians,” Wyden said.

Merkley said the soaring temperatures are impacting the health and livelihoods of all Oregonians.

“This funding from the landmark Inflation Reduction Actwill help many Oregon communities address the impacts of the climate crisis on a local level, while helping to keep Oregonians connected with nature,” Merkley said.

Hermiston City Manager Byron Smith said the city will use the $1 million to remove invasive species along the Umatilla River and to replant native trees.

“That will improve the health and biodiversity of our urban and community forests, as well development of a tree inventory throughout the entire city to plan for improvements to our urban forest canopy,” Smith said.