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.
English 
Spanish