Oregon is set to receive more than $100 million in federal funding for critical community projects across nearly every county in the state. The investments were secured by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden as part of the first two federal spending packages for fiscal year 2026 that recently cleared Congress.
The Oregon Community Project Funding package includes 54 locally driven projects with a combined value of $102.7 million. The projects reflect priorities identified by residents, local governments, and community groups throughout the state. Both senators say the funding is the result of years of direct engagement with Oregonians and feedback gathered during annual town halls held in every county.
The investments focus on essential needs such as clean water systems, wildfire protection, emergency response, housing support, environmental restoration, energy resilience, and workforce development. Projects are spread across urban, rural, coastal, and eastern regions of Oregon, ensuring that benefits reach communities of all sizes.
In the Willamette Valley and North Coast, funding will replace aging water lines, upgrade sewer systems, improve emergency communications, and support rural fire protection. Several projects in these areas also focus on watershed restoration and outdoor recreation infrastructure that supports local economies while protecting natural resources.
Metro-area communities will receive funding for water system backups, flood protection, public safety technology, and youth violence prevention. Investments also support advanced research and workforce training in semiconductor and nanoscience fields, helping strengthen Oregon’s role in high-tech manufacturing.
Mid-Columbia communities will see upgrades to irrigation systems, wastewater facilities, fire suppression infrastructure, and tribal fishing access sites along the Columbia River. These projects aim to improve public health, support agriculture, protect historic resources, and expand housing and economic development opportunities.
Eastern Oregon will receive significant investments in water security, emergency communications, renewable energy, and environmental monitoring. Funding will help address groundwater contamination, modernize military and emergency training facilities, and replace outdated infrastructure in small rural towns that face limited local resources.
In the South Willamette Valley and Central Coast, the Oregon Community Project Funding package supports wildfire mitigation, emergency operations centers, workforce training facilities, and cutting-edge research equipment at public universities. These projects are designed to improve disaster readiness while expanding education and job opportunities in growing industries.
Central Oregon investments focus on irrigation modernization, watershed restoration, renewable energy projects, and groundwater research. Several projects aim to conserve water in drought-prone areas while improving stream health and supporting agriculture and wildlife.
Southern Oregon communities will benefit from upgrades to water systems, fish habitat restoration, port maintenance, childcare facilities, and public safety infrastructure. These investments address long-standing needs in regions recovering from wildfires and economic disruption.
Statewide funding includes support for wildfire mitigation programs and air quality improvements. These initiatives will help communities reduce fire risk, improve defensible space, and lower harmful smoke pollution by offering alternatives to open burning.
Senator Merkley said the funding reflects the principle that local communities know their needs best. He emphasized that serving on the Senate Appropriations Committee has allowed Oregon to secure resources that directly reflect local priorities. Senator Wyden echoed that view, noting that listening to residents across the state has shaped the investments delivered to Oregon.
Together, the Oregon Community Project Funding package represents one of the most comprehensive federal investment efforts in recent years. As projects move forward, state and local leaders say the funding will strengthen public safety, protect natural resources, support economic growth, and improve quality of life for Oregonians in every region of the state.
