Financial Services Appropriations Bill Includes Funds for Oregon to Spur Economic Development and Create Jobs

Bill to Fund Clean Energy Job Training Program and Economic Revitalization Project

Friday, July 10, 2009

Washington D.C. - Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that $400,000 in funds for projects dedicated to providing clean energy job training opportunities and promoting economic revitalization in Oregon will be included in the Senate Financial Services Appropriations bill.  Portland Community College would receive $200,000 for its Sustainable Careers program, which will train workers in clean energy fields such as renewable energy, green construction, and alternative energy automotive technologies.  Another $200,000 in the bill is designated for the City of Salem’s “Toolbox” program to provide financial incentives for start-up businesses and artists to utilize vacant buildings in the downtown area as well as help preserve Salem’s historic buildings.

“One of the keys to turning around this struggling economy is to promote economic development and continue to lay the groundwork for Oregon to become the nation’s leader in clean energy production,” said Merkley.  “These funds will not only help revitalize neglected areas and provide valuable educational opportunities to Oregonians, they will also create sustainable jobs in the process.”

“This bill will help shape the workforce needed for Oregon’s green jobs economy, as well as help preserve and rejuvenate Salem’s local economy,” said Wyden.

The Financial Services Appropriations bill must still pass the entire Senate and be merged with a companion bill from the House and be signed by the President before it becomes law and the funds are available.

Projects in the Financial Services Appropriations bill include:

Portland Community College Sustainable Careers for a Green Economic Recovery - $200,000

Funds will be used to provide job training in fields in renewable energy, green construction, and alternative energy automotive technologies.

Salem Downtown Revitalization “Toolbox” Program - $200,000

Funds will be used to advance economic development, reduce local building vacancy and preserve historic buildings.