Oregon’s U.S. senators, Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, announced Friday, Sept. 6, that $16.1 million in federal aid is coming to Baker and Union counties to support communities located near the Boardman-to-Hemingway power transmission line.
The money, from the Inflation Reduction Act, will support job training programs, as well as economic development projects for housing, business development, and improved regional infrastructure.
“This critical funding will help ensure that Eastern Oregon’s electricity needs are met for years to come and make sure Oregonians have access to essential economic opportunities,” Merkley said in a press release. “That’s a big win for our communities, and I will continue to do everything I can to deliver federal resources in support of the jobs, housing, and infrastructure upgrades that hardworking families need to thrive.”
“Baker and Union counties get a significant shot in the arm for jobs and economic development with this federal investment,” Wyden said. “Eastern Oregon also will benefit from these federal funds because they help local communities meet their energy needs while also assisting with the housing crunch and training workers for small businesses.”
The two projects:
- $15 million for the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District (NEOEDD). The money will help implement the Northeast Oregon Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and fund community-identified projects in Baker and Union counties, across which the B2H transmission line is slated to be built. The program will fund economic development projects that focus on workforce, housing, business development, and infrastructure and promote a more resilient and vibrant economy while improving community well-being.
“This grant is a tremendous opportunity for Northeast Oregon, and we appreciate the support from Senator Merkley and Senator Wyden,” said Lisa Dawson, NEOEDD executive director. “The funding will allow us to address key economic priorities in Baker and Union counties, such as workforce development, housing, business development, and infrastructure/ Importantly, NEOEDD will use the first year of the four-year grant to plan and develop the subgrant program, including developing a coalition of community partners who represent the region.”
- $1.1 million for the Baker School District and the Baker Technical Institute (BTI). With support from the Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative, the money will launch the Lineman College and Training Hub in Baker City to train new workers who will support local small businesses, large employers in the area, and local governments. The Training Hub will help meet growing demand for utility workers and anticipate future demand for skilled workers in broadband, energy, and electrical infrastructure roles.
“We are very thankful for being selected for this award,” BTI President Doug Dalton said. “This grant will be integral in launching our lineman academy in Baker City and supporting our operational costs as we get started. Investments like this help build a workforce right here in Eastern Oregon with outstanding job opportunities to keep rural communities like ours thriving.”
In March 2024 the Baker City Council approved the sale of three lots in the city-owned Elkhorn Industrial Park, at the northwest corner of the city, to OTEC for $357,000. The lots total almost 30 acres.
The training school will be in a steel building covering about 7,500 square feet. There will also be housing for students.
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