Governor Kate Brown Designates Leah Horner as Infrastructure Director
By Mindy Gould on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories
Salem, OR(Released by Governor Kate Brown)-
Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown announced today that Leah Horner, Jobs & Economy Policy Advisor and Regional Solutions Director, will take on the role of Infrastructure Director within the Governor’s Office. Earlier this week, the White House requested that states appoint a single point of contact to navigate implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The Infrastructure Director will convene a State Infrastructure Cabinet to coordinate the efforts of agencies receiving federal funds. Key outcomes of this work will include public-facing information to track investments, community engagement, and system planning to ensure Oregon’s businesses are prepared for contract opportunities.
“I am so pleased Leah is taking on this important role at this critical time,” said Governor Brown. “I have worked closely with Leah over the past several years, and I am confident she will be able to help implement the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law here in Oregon. She brings strong strategic planning abilities, all done with a collaborative approach.”
“This infrastructure bill gives us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to not only invest in crucial needs for our communities, but to also assess investments with a racial justice lens,” said Horner. “I look forward to taking the Regional Solutions approach of streamlining government and removing barriers to get us to the outcomes Oregonians need.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will bring billions of dollars in federal funding to Oregon, including:
• An expected $268 million for bridge replacement and repairs, and $3.4 billion to help modernize Oregon’s roads and highways;
• An expected $747 million to upgrade public transportation systems;
• More than $52 million to establish new Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure;
• An expected $529 million to provide clean drinking water and improve water infrastructure;
• At least $100 million to connect Oregonians across the state to affordable, high-speed internet;
• An expected $32 million to protect against wildfires; and more.
Horner currently serves as Governor Brown’s Jobs and Economy Policy Advisor and Director of Regional Solutions. She will continue in those roles. Leah holds a master’s degree in economic development and entrepreneurship from University of Houston, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from University of Hawai’i.
