City sets its federal agenda
By Terry Murry on Thursday, January 6th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Pendleton City Council heard a detailed plan to apply for federal grants and loans in the coming year at its meeting this week. The city has hired a consultant who is working for the city’s priorities.
That list includes the redesign of Exit 209 off I-84 at Southgate. The city has filed for federal Department of Transportation dollars for this project unsuccessfully four times. Public Works Director Bob Patterson has said the city and the Oregon Department of Transportation aren’t giving up on that effort. Other projects include an upgrade to the security system along the River Parkway and renovation of the Vert Auditorium.
City Manager Robb Corbett said that Pendleton’s consultant will also work to protect funding for services that are often on the chopping block in Congress, including the control tower at the airport and the essential air service funds for Boutique Air.
The city also hopes to see what’s available for COVID-19 recovery funding and to drive home the need for changes to prevent floods on both the Umatilla River and McKay Creek.
“The McKay Creek and Umatilla flood recovery faces funding challenges that we face as we try to reduce the risks of flooding in the future,” Corbett said.
