Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley as well as U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas today announced a federal investment of $20 million through the Inflation Reduction Act for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde to build a safe, accessible shelter that will provide services during extreme weather.
“The problems created by the ongoing climate crisis overlap with many issues already threatening Oregonians such as housing and access to essential medical services,” Wyden said. “This investment for The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde in both community services and housing for Tribal members is a great example of what I fought for in the Inflation Reduction Act. We need more comprehensive solutions like this, and I will continue to fight for more resources to advance similar projects in Oregon and across the nation. ”
“This funding builds on years of work to address the need for a local gathering space in the Grand Ronde community,” said Merkley. “The Grand Ronde’s new Resident and Recreation Center will be transformative, serving as a place where they can connect, celebrate their culture, and access resources that strengthen their resilience and well-being for generations to come.”
“I am excited to announce new federal funding for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde in my district,” said Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06). “All Oregonians are feeling the effects of climate change, particularly those living in rural and Tribal communities with limited access to housing and services. This resilience center will provide a safe, warm place to shelter during extreme weather and ensure continued access to health, education, and other key services for the Grand Ronde Community. I will continue working with my colleagues to secure critical investments like this one for Oregon’s Sixth District.”
The $20 million federal investment is through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant Program, and will be used to build a Resident Resilience Center that will also serve as a center for health, community, education, and wellness.
“We are grateful that EPA recognizes the importance of this project and what it means to our Tribal Members and the Grand Ronde community,” said Tribal Council Chairwoman Cheryle A. Kennedy. “This investment ensures that as stewards of the land, the Grand Ronde Tribe will have a safe place to gather and care for our people in the face of increasingly hazardous climate events.”
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