New legislation could bring capital funds to Oregon’s small-town rodeos

SALEM – Legislation is in the works that could bring a slew of capital construction repair projects. Senate Bill 771, Relating to funding for rodeo repairs, would, if passed, establish a capital grant program for rodeos in communities with a population of less than 12,000 people. As summarized on the Oregon Legislative Website:

“The Act would set up a grant program for capital repairs at small-town rodeos. (Flesch Readability Score: 65.7). Directs the Oregon Business Development Department to develop and administer a program for awarding grants to rodeo organizations based in communities with a population of 12,000 or less to fund certain capital projects on existing rodeo property”

These grants may be up to $250,000 dollars, with five million dollars allocated for the full program to run through January 2, 2027. Keep in mind this funding would specifically cover capital projects rather than any form of operational costs. As summarized in section 1, subsection 2a-2b of the bill:

(2)(a) Grant moneys may be used solely for: 

(A) Capital projects on existing rodeo property; and 

(B) Purchases of capital equipment for capital projects on existing rodeo property. 

(b) Grant moneys may not be used for costs associated with personnel, livestock or the operations of the rodeo organization.

Senate Bill 771 had a public hearing on Tuesday, January 27. Of the 18 public testimonies submitted, all were in support. The bill is currently in the Senate Committee, with a referral to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. As of the time of writing, no additional meetings or hearings have been publicly scheduled.

For more information on the bill and to read public testimony, visit its Oregon Legislative Information page here. The full bill text is attached below:

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Image originally posted by Chief Joseph Days Rodeo

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