Significant Federal Grant Aims to Bolster Sweet Home, Oregon’s Utility Infrastructure
WASHINGTON – A pivotal federal grant amounting to $700,375 has been allocated by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to Sweet Home, Oregon. This initiative targets enhancing utility infrastructure to support businesses within the region.
The grant will facilitate the installation of three power generators, ensuring consistent service and water supply, particularly vital after recent winter storm disruptions. This EDA contribution is complemented by $175,094 sourced from local funds.
According to Cristina Killingsworth, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, “EDA plays an important role in supporting locally driven disaster recovery and resiliency plans.” She emphasized the significance of the investment in sustaining the local economy amidst potential future storm events.
Governor Tina Kotek noted the challenges rural areas like Oregon face compared to more urbanized locations, highlighting the importance of the federal support. “This timely investment from the Biden-Harris Administration will support businesses in the city of Sweet Home through another winter season,” Kotek stated.
Senator Ron Wyden underscored the need for resources in rural communities, asserting, “Ensuring that small businesses in rural communities have the resources they need to thrive and expand is essential to towns like Sweet Home.” He affirmed his commitment to secure further resources for small businesses and rural areas in Oregon.
Senator Jeff Merkley also emphasized the critical role of EDA in disaster recovery, stating the importance of reliable power generators in helping local businesses withstand adverse weather impacts. “EDA plays a critical role in disaster recovery and this federal funding to bring new, reliable power generators to Sweet Home will help businesses in the region weather the worst impacts of the storms and keep their local economy going,” he said.
This project is a result of the regional planning endeavors led by the Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments (OCWCOG). The EDA’s support enables OCWCOG to collaborate with public and private entities to devise an economic development strategy aimed at fortifying the regional economy, spurring private investments, and generating employment.
Funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, this initiative is part of the $483 million allocated to the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program for disaster relief and recovery. The funding addresses areas declared as major disaster zones under the Robert T. Stafford Act, due to natural disasters such as Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, and flooding in 2021 and 2022. Additional details can be found on EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage.
