July 22, 2005

Appropriations would provide big boost to communities throughout Oregon

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Gordon Smith and Ron Wyden today announced that they have obtained more than $19 million for various projects throughout Oregon as part of the FY 2006 Transportation, Treasury, Judiciary, and Housing and Urban Development (TTJHUD) Appropriations bill. The legislation approved today by the Senate Appropriations Committee includes funding for transportation and community development projects. The TTJHUD Appropriations bill must now be approved by the full Senate.

“Successful economic development projects improve the business climate, bolster community initiatives, and add to the standard of living,” said Smith. “The projects included in this bill are positive local investments for Oregon.”

“Federal funds for revitalization, transportation infrastructure improvement and community development will strengthen both Oregon’s local communities and the state’s entire economy,” said Wyden. “Oregonians in urban and rural areas throughout our state will benefit from the funds included in this bill.”

Oregon projects included in the appropriations committee’s TTJHUD bill are as follows:

• $18.1 million for the North Corridor Interstate Max light rail;

• $15 million for the Washington County Commuter rail;

• $1.6 million for site preparation and equipment procurement for the Central Oregon/Redmond airport;

• $1 million for the SMART multi-modal transit center and bus maintenance facility in Wilsonville;

• $500,000 for Northeastern Oregon Collaborative University Center in Hermiston to support the rural allied health and science education program;

• $250,000 for the downtown riverfront access improvement project in The Dalles;

• $200,000 for Santo Community Center’s Teen Activity Center in Medford;

• $200,000 for Umatilla County to support economic development and infrastructure improvements associated with the Oregon Collaborative University Center in Hermiston;

• $750,000 for the Transit Bus Facility in Sandy;

• $200,000 for Marion-Polk Food Share in Salem to improve and renovate an emergency food distribution center.

• $200,000 for the City of Pendleton to improve and renovate Round-Up facilities;

• $200,000 for Union County to support economic development and tourism activities for the Wallowa Union Railroad;

• $60,300 for the modification of the main console in the air traffic control center at Portland International Airport.

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