Senators Merkley, Wyden Announce $35 Million to Restore and Maintain Forest Roads, Watersheds, and Floodplains

"Recovery Act Funding to Create Oregon Jobs, Improve Safety, and Protect Ecosystems in 28 Oregon Counties"

June 2, 2009 -- Washington D.C. – Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced Tuesday $35 million in funding to put people to work in Oregon maintaining forest roads, and restoring vital watersheds and floodplains as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

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“There’s no question that Oregon is still facing massive economic challenges, but the Recovery Act is making a difference,” said Merkley. “The funding Senator Wyden and I are announcing today will put Oregonians to work while supporting the natural resources that make our state such a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Each job we save or create is an opportunity for a family to regain their footing.”

“This economic recovery funding is about jobs, jobs, jobs,” Wyden said. “Here we are creating much-needed jobs in some of Oregon’s hardest-hit counties, jobs that will result in healthier forests and improved water quality."

Twenty-five million dollars will go towards road maintenance projects that will create jobs in 26 Oregon counties, including Baker, Clackamas, Coos, Curry, Crook, Harney, Deschutes, Douglas, Grant, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Morrow, Multnomah, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, and Wheeler Counties.

Seven million dollars will go towards watershed restoration projects including restoration of the Oregon Sand Dunes and improvement of Coho Salmon habitat in Lane County, restoration of forest fisheries in Douglas County, restoration of the Lower Snake River Watershed in Baker County, and watershed restoration on the Upper Grande Ronde River in Union County.

Over $3 million will go to protect against flooding in Marion and Yamhill counties. The funding will help return areas that are susceptible to frequent flooding back to their natural state, protecting property and preserving natural areas.

Besides creating much-needed jobs, these projects will improve safety, reduce erosion, and protect ecosystems. Funding for the road maintenance and watershed restoration projects will come through the United States Forest Service while funding for the floodplain easement projects will come through the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Full details on the forest road maintenance and watershed restoration projects can be found at the U.S. Forest Service website: http://www.fs.fed.us/.

Source: Senator Jeff Merkley