BTI slated to receive $544,000 in funding

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Monday, October 25th, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories

BAKER CITY – Baker Technical Institute’s (BTI) Heavy Equipment and Truck Driver Training Project has written into the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education (LHHS) funding bill on the Senate side. An amount of $544,000 was identified for BTI’s project (under the Dept of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration).

There are still steps that must be taken in order for the funds to be released, including a committee vote, full floor vote as well as a conference between the Senate and House. But sources report that the highest hurdle has been cleared. Noting that, generally, once something makes it into the bill, it usually makes it though to passage.

Jessica Keys with Senator Jeff Merkley’s Office says, from here they are hoping these funding bills pass Congress normally. “In the past couple years, final passage has happened in mid- to late-December but it could be later or earlier this time, we’ll have to see how the process plays out.”

Senator Merkley is expected to make a formal announcement on this soon. BTI, City and County Officials have been informed as well.

The full press release will be issued when it is available.