Umatilla County gets $1.8 million grant

By Terry Murry on Friday, January 16th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

UMATILLA COUNTY – Umatilla County will receive a $1/8 million grant earmarked for rural transportation safety technology projects. The grant is from the U.S. government. How it will be disbursed is being discussed.

Umatilla County Board of Commissioners Chairman Dan Dorran said it appears the funds won’t have to pass through the state on its way to the county.

“Not only are we excited to get the grant, now we are really optimistic that it will be one of the few in the nation that comes directly to the county,” Dorran said.

Eliminating the state as the middle party will save the county 16 percent in administrative fees.

Dorran said the Federal Highway Administration and the Department of Transportation will be able to use nationwide the proprietary software created by Umatilla County.