July 27, 2020

Merkley, Wyden Announce Over $350,000 in EPA Grants for Tribal Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission will receive $227,028 and $125,000 in federal grant funding, respectively, for environmental programs and studies.

Both grants are being administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“Now is the time to not only make sure each of us is doing our part to fight the coronavirus crisis, but also to build the foundation we need for a safe and prosperous future after we make it through this challenging chapter,” said Merkley.  “These grants and the healthier air, water, and soil that will come with them can help us build that foundation. I’m going to keep doing all I can to secure the resources that tribal communities need to build a stronger future.”

"Clean air and clean water are the cornerstones of a healthy and safe community, especially as our nation continues to feel the public health threats and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic," Wyden said. "Equipping tribes in Oregon with the resources they need is a must."

The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians will use their grant to protect and maintain air, water, land, and data quality. The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission’s grant will fund technical and coordinating support to help member tribes to meet pollution reduction and prevention goals.

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