Findley, Owens secure unprecedented $54 Million in funding for Eastern Oregon counties

By on Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 in More Top Stories

SALEM – (Release from Representative Mark Owens) Senator Findley (R-Vale) and Representative Mark Owens (R-Crane) announced today they secured over $54 million in state and federal aid for Senate District 30 and House District 60. This is the highest amount of support ever approved for the region in one singular session.

Senator Findley said, “This is great news for Senate District 30. The opportunities that will come from funding these projects will help our communities immensely, and will provide a path towards more sustainable economic, cultural and infrastructure development.”

The support package is a combination of funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), the general fund budget and Lottery Bond sales.

“I’m extremely thankful we were able to secure the funding for these critical projects, and it will go directly to improving the quality of life for Oregonians in our communities,” added Representative Owens. “We need stable water and transportation systems, monies for cultural development, and support for public safety. This funding allows for that and more.”

Over the course of the legislative session, Sen. Findley and Rep. Owens and staff researched the in-district projects, reviewed proposals, met with community members and stakeholders to learn about funding needs, and worked with fellow legislators to garner support.

“With the state reopening and now this enormous amount of much-needed financial support, I’m optimistic about the future for our region,” added Sen. Findley.

Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-CD2) who represented the region as both a state representative and state senator for over a decade before being elected to Congress in 2020 had the following to say:

“Sen. Findley and Rep. Owens have made extensive sacrifices, including time away from their families and lengthy trips back and forth to Salem, to ensure their constituents are well represented.  They fought hard to protect our water and ensured funds would come back to their respective districts.  People of Senate District 30 and House District 60 are fortunate to have Senator Findley and Representative Owens working for them.”

“With the state reopening and now this enormous amount of much-needed financial support, I’m optimistic about the future for our region,” added Sen. Findley.

The funded projects can be found by county below. Read the previous media release from May on ARPA funding requests here.