April 05, 2024

Merkley, Wyden Announce Over $90 Million Coming to Oregon for Drinking Water and Wastewater Advancements

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced a total of $90,393,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is headed to Oregon to fund safe drinking water projects and strengthen wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, which will protect public health and treasured bodies of water across the state.

“Reliable access to clean water is essential for the health and safety of every community in Oregon,” said Merkley, Chair of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds this program. “These funds will help improve water infrastructure—a top concern I hear about in the town halls I hold in every corner of Oregon, especially from folks in our rural communities. I’ll continue to do all I can to ensure every community has reliable access to safe drinking water and water sanitation by addressing outdated water infrastructure here in Oregon and across the nation.”

“Every Oregonian turning on the tap and using water in any fashion throughout the day should be able to count on a safe and dependable supply,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified this federal investment to strengthen water infrastructure is coming to help our entire state, and I’ll keep battling to secure clean water for every community large and small in Oregon.”

Today’s major investments for Oregon are part of $8.5 billion nationally announced by the EPA from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 for states, Tribes, and territories through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). 

Of the over $90 million Oregon is receiving, $53,079,000 is coming from the DWSRF to support the development of water treatment facilities and other projects necessary to ensuring clean and safe drinking water for communities around the state. The additional $37,314,000 from the CWSRF will fund critical wastewater projects identified by the state. 

For a full state-by-state breakdown of the national funding awards, click HERE.