WASHI – Sens.Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden said Thursday the Senate has passed the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill, which includes $2.173 billion to battle unaffordable rents and homelessness.<\/p>\n
The bill funds several federal departments, and includes Oregon priorities for transportation, housing, and other programs that local communities rely on to fund services, build parks, and more. <\/p>\n
“Infrastructure and housing are pressing issues for communities across Oregon—urban and rural,” said Merkley, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “As our cities and towns in every corner of the state face their biggest housing affordability crises in decades—with rents dramatically outpacing incomes—we must do everything we can to make sure families have the decent homes they deserve. This bill includes needed investments in to address the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis.”<\/p>\n
“Whether it’s homelessness and housing affordability challenges affecting Oregonians in every nook and cranny of our state or transportation needs in our communities, these investments will help improve quality of life statewide,” Wyden said. “Simply put, improving Oregonians’ ability to have a roof over their heads and to get from that safe home to work, school and more is a must.”<\/p>\n
“Every Oregonian deserves a safe, affordable, stable place to call home,” said Constance S. Wilkerson, Continuum of Care Manager at Jackson County Continuum of Care. “Senator Merkley’s and the whole delegation’s efforts on behalf of Jackson County’s most vulnerable residents will ensure that many of those experiencing homelessness in Southern Oregon will have a home.”<\/p>\n
“The Port of Morrow is grateful for the efforts of Senator Merkley and Senator Wyden to secure full funding of America’s Marine Highway Grant Program,” said Ryan Neal, Executive Director of the Port of Morrow. “The Port’s proposal for expanded barge service on the Columbia and Snake River was recently designated by MARAD as one of just thirty-four projects nationwide and only one of three on the West Coast. The barge expansion would create family wage jobs in the region, reduce transportation costs, and alleviate highway and rail congestion. With MARAD’s designation and full funding for the program supported by our Senators, we can pursue grants to make infrastructure improvements needed to make this project a reality.”<\/p>\n
“The Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport is thankful for the effort and support of Sen. Merkley and Sen. Wyden in obtaining increased funding for FAA Contract Towers,” said Klamath Falls Airport Director John T. Barsalou, A.A.E. “The contract tower at our airport is critical to the mission of our largest tenant, the Oregon Air National Guard 173rd Fighter Wing. The Senators’ understanding of the role of the contract tower in ensuring the safe and efficient utilization of the Crater Lake- Klamath Regional Airport for both military and civilian pilots is very much appreciated.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n