May 16, 2024

Wyden, Merkley Announce $660,000 for Road Safety in Columbia and Clatsop Counties

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today that Oregon will receive $660,000 in federal funds to Columbia and Clatsop counties to help develop transportation improvement plans and boost public safety.

“Oregonians need to be confident that the roads they drive on daily are safe,” Wyden said. “This federal investment funded from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I fought to pass will help ensure that folks can dependably travel in Oregon’s northwest corner, and I’ll keep battling for similar transportation safety resources across our state.”

"Oregonians shouldn’t have to worry that the roads they drive on are safe. These investments will help Clatsop and Columbia counties advance their goal to make roadways in their communities safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike,” said Merkley. “I will continue working to ensure every Oregonian is able to move about their daily lives conveniently, without fear of accident or injury.” 

The $660,000 in federal funds come from the federal Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All Planning Grant program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will be distributed as follows in Oregon:

  • Columbia County Comprehensive Safety Action Plan - $180,000
  • Clatsop County Comprehensive Safety Action Plan - $480,000

These investments build on $2.7 million in similar grants that Wyden and Merkley helped to secure for Oregon cities and Tribes in 2023.

“Clatsop County is grateful for the work done by Senators Wyden and Merkley to get this federal funding award which will allow Clatsop County to develop a plan guided by data and informed by equitable and purposeful community engagement with ODOT, city governments, residents, transit agencies, local businesses, and other stakeholders,” said Clatsop County Board Chair Mark Kujala.

"We are thrilled to receive $180,000 in federal funds to start developing Columbia County's Comprehensive Safety Action Plan," said County Commissioner Margaret Magruder. "This funding will help us create a safer transportation network for everyone in Columbia County, improving road safety for both residents and visitors. We deeply appreciate the support of Senators Wyden and Merkley, as well as the resources provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law."