Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley recently announced that the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 includes nearly $250 million for Oregon projects including $23 million to fund integral waterway maintenance and dredging projects up and down the Oregon coast. These funds are part of the annual funding for Fiscal Year 2009, and will complement the funding provided through the economic recovery legislation last month to improve our nation’s infrastructure and allow the Oregon coast to remain vital to our economy.
"Our state relies on its waterways," Wyden said. "Without sound dredging policy and the finances to back it up, the commerce of western Oregon would be severely damaged. Boats can’t deliver goods if they can’t get to the ports. This money will make sure Oregon’s coastal communities can still thrive."
"The strength of Oregon’s economy flows through its waterways," Merkley said. "Regular maintenance of our rivers and bays leads to busy ships and bustling ports. These are the economic linchpins for our coastal communities."
The Omnibus appropriations bill includes nearly $9 million for dredging operations at nine of our most important waterways. Regular maintenance and dredging of these waterways keep our state’s economy running smoothly by allowing for the quick and easy transport of goods throughout the entire pacific northwest.
The dredging and maintenance projects funded in the Omnibus bill that are within the Columbia-Pacific region include the Mouth of the Columbia River Dredging ( $14,223,000); Tillamook Bay and Bar ( $1,048,000); Columbia River South Jetty Beneficial Sediment Use Project( $500,000)
For more information on appropriation projects in the Omnibus bill please visit www.wyden.senate.gov.