August 01, 2024

Wyden, Merkley Announce $4 Million Federal Investment for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements in Independence

WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a federal investment of $4 million for wastewater infrastructure improvements in the City of Independence.

“Continuing to improve Oregon’s critical infrastructure, while also creating good-paying local jobs adds up to a big win in my book,” Wyden said. “Oregonians deserve to raise their families in healthy environments while being able to make a living in the communities they choose to call home. I’m gratified that this investment will bolster these efforts in Independence, improving livability for the Oregonians who live in this Polk County community and allowing for future growth and business expansion.” 

“Concern about aging water infrastructure is a frequent topic during the town halls I hold in every corner of Oregon,” Merkley said. “This federal funding is a major boost for Independence’s efforts to renovate and expand the city’s wastewater treatment plant, while creating a lot of good-paying jobs in the process. I’ll continue to do all I can to ensure every community has reliable water sanitation by addressing outdated water infrastructure here in Oregon and across the nation.”  

This project, funded by the U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration, was made possible through the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023, which provided funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act. This investment will be matched with $1 million in local funds and is expected to create or retain nearly 250 jobs and generate $25 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"We are thrilled to receive this investment which will fund important improvements at our wastewater treatment plant,” said Independence Mayor John McArdle. “The additional capacity this project creates will allow our rural community to continue attracting new industry and residents, growing and diversifying our local economy."