State funding will jump start Pendleton housing effort

By on Thursday, March 7th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – The city of Pendleton has received approval from the Oregon Legislature of $5 million in funding to create a revolving loan fund that will allow housing development on the east side of the city. The loans are then to be paid back to the city by housing developers.

City Manager Robb Corbett says the state’s money along with $2 million from Umatilla County, $1.5 million from the federal government, and $250,000 from the Port of Umatilla gives the city the green light to move forward.

“All that combined will enable us to get housing infrastructure built,” Corbett said. “The land we’re targeting right now is between Exit 211 (of Interstate 84) and Highway 30.”

Corbett said that the funding is contingent on the signature of Gov. Tina Kotek, who has expressed support for the housing development on what is often referred to as the Rees-Goad property.