Merkley, Wyden: More Than $14 Million In Recovery Act Funds For Transit Improvements Headed To Oregon

Friday, July 10, 2009

Portland – Oregon’s Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden applauded the announcement that $14.7 million in federal funds will be heading to Oregon for rural transit improvements as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The money, announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation, will be used for preventive maintenance, new vehicles, bus shelters, facility projects and other upgrades, according to the department. Most of the money is heading to projects in rural Oregon.

Some of the projects include about $1 million for vehicles and other equipment for the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, $450,000 to Josephine County for vehicles, equipment and facilities projects and $216,000 to the city of Pendleton for vehicles, equipment and facilities projects.

A full listing of the more than 35 projects throughout the state can be found here -
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/recovery/OTC_ARRA_5311_Projects_Approved.pdf

“Recovery funds are boosting Oregon’s local economies and transit operations,” Merkley said. “From small businesses to major corporations, all of Oregon’s job creators rely on effective transit. This funding strengthens our transportation operations, creates jobs and gives Oregon companies one more tool in attracting talented employees.”

“You can’t have a first-class economy without first-class transportation,” Wyden said. “This economic recovery money will create jobs and improve transportation across Oregon, particularly in those rural areas that have been hardest hit by the recession.”

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act invests billions in upgrading our nation’s transportation infrastructure, promoting the development and production of clean energy, and repairing public buildings to immediately create or save jobs.  The legislation cuts taxes for 95 percent of workers and their families, including tax credits of $400 per worker or $800 per family.  Finally, a third component of the bill provides vital funding for states to prevent state layoffs and ensure the continuation of important health, education and housing services.