September 06, 2024

Merkley, Wyden: $16.1 Million Federal Investment Will Jumpstart Economic Development, Job Training in Eastern Oregon

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that $16,100,000 is coming to Baker and Union counties to support communities located near a proposed new transmission line in Eastern Oregon. The funds 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.?“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 Oregon-based projects funded are as follows: 

  1. $15,000,000 for the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District (NEOEDD). The funding will help implement the Northeast Oregon Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and fund community-identified projects in Baker and Union counties, across which the Boardman to Hemingway transmission line is anticipated to be constructed. 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.
  1. $1,100,00 for Baker School District 5J and the Baker Technical Institute (BTI). With support from the Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative, the funding will launch the Lineman College and Training Hub in Baker City, Oregon 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. 

Both Merkley and Wyden supported the two selected projects, which are poised to receive funding thanks to the historic Inflation Reduction Act’s Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).  

“This grant is a tremendous opportunity for Northeast Oregon, and we appreciate the support from Senator Merkley and Senator Wyden. The funding will allow us to address key economic priorities in Baker and Union counties, such as workforce development, housing, business development, and infrastructure,” said Lisa Dawson, Executive Director of the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District (NEOEDD). “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.” 

“We are very thankful for being selected for this award.?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,” said Doug Dalton, President of the Baker Technical Institute (BTI). 

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