WASHINGTON D.C. – Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and
Ron Wyden announced today that nearly $29 million in Recovery Act funds will go
to facility infrastructure, energy efficiency upgrades, and trail maintenance
in Oregon’s forests. The funding also includes $3 million for the Oregon
Youth Employment Initiative. This program puts youth to work in the woods and
helps conserve natural resources in Oregon’s forests.
“Our forests are integral to our way of life. They create
jobs, provide recreation activities for our families and help boost local
economies by attracting tourists from all over the world,” said Merkley.
“These funds will restore the infrastructure of our recreation facilities,
promote energy efficiency, help maintain our forest trails and create much
needed jobs in the process.”
“This
funding will improve recreation facilities and infrastructure at forests in
Oregon, creating jobs and boosting the tourism industry,” said Wyden.
“Now I hope to see the administration turn its focus to restoring
our forests, preventing catastrophic forest fires, putting people back to work
in our mills, and ending the harvest of old growth forests.”
In addition
to the nearly $29 million for Oregon forests, another $4.8 million will go
towards providing maintenance for the Umatilla and Pacific Crest Trails that
run through Oregon and Washington State.
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.
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