By Joe Hathaway on Friday, September 1st, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
Haines – (Release from the U.S. Senate) Oregon’s Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $1,015,000 to the City of Haines to repair and upgrade 10,000 linear feet of water distribution pipes. This funding will also be used to install fire hydrants throughout the community.
“When I meet with local leaders in rural Oregon across the state, they make it clear that water infrastructure is a top priority,” said Senator Merkley. “Investments in water infrastructure are critical not just for safety, but also for thriving rural communities and economies.”
“Oregonians deserve big-league clean water infrastructure in every nook and cranny of the state,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified to see these funds go to help Oregonians in Haines protect drinking water and establish crucial hydrants to reduce risk of structure fire.”
This funding comes from the 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act and will help the City replace or repair leaking drinking water pipes, which is intended to improve water conservation and reduce the risk of public drinking water sources being contaminated by groundwater. The installation of additional fire hydrants will help reduce the risk of fire to Haines residents and the surrounding environment.
Elkhorn Media Group has reached out to the City of Haines for comment.