| American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 |
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| OWEB News |
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 Thanks to the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Federal government has set aside approximately $37 billion in competitive grant dollars to help states recover from the recession. Governor Kulongoski created The Oregon Way Advisory Group to enable the state to compete more effectively for this money. The Advisory Group will also ensure that the money creates immediate and long-term job opportunities for Oregonians. The Advisory Group will advise and assist state agencies such as OWEB that are seeking federal competitive grants and will identify signature projects across the state that will showcase Oregon's green expertise to the nation, helping to bring long-term job growth as others look to Oregon to tap this knowledge base.
The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board receives no direct funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. However, ARRA has several funding opportunities related to habitat restoration that can create local jobs and restore habitat in Oregon.
As a granting agency with close connections to local partners, OWEB is working with partners to develop lists of shovel-ready projects that may be eligible for funding through different federal processes. In the coming weeks, OWEB anticipates submitting federal grant applications for projects through competitive solicitations from federal grant opportunities on behalf of our partners. If ARRA funds are received by OWEB, they will be subgranted to the appropriate organization to implement the project.
OWEB will regularly update this website on our activities related to ARRA. This will include posting the grant applications we submit for ARRA funds, lists of projects that are funded through ARRA, and other details regarding ARRA funds related to OWEB and its partners.
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| ARRA Applications |
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OWEB has responded to two opportunities for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to be used for cooperative conservation. If the proposals receive full funding, over 1,100 jobs may be created across the state.
U.S. Forest Service
OWEB responded to a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) request to identify projects that would provide benefits to federal forest lands. Two groups of projects were forwarded for USFS consideration. The first package included fish passage projects in Douglas County (Williams Creek crossing) and fish passage at Opal Springs Dam on the Crooked River. The second package involves water conservation and headworks at the Three Sisters Irrigation District on Whychus Creek in Deschutes County.
If these two packages receive full funding, an estimated 188 jobs will be created.
NOAA Fisheries
In response to a request for proposals from the NOAA Fisheries Restoration Center, OWEB submitted three proposals for projects in Oregon. The proposals focus on Water Conservation, Fish Passage and Habitat Restoration. The proposals were developed in a cooperative manner with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Department of Forestry. We solicited projects from watershed councils, soil and water conservation districts, and private forest land owners. The applications showed significant interest in Oregon for cooperative, community based habitat restoration.
If these three packages receive full funding, an estimated 950 jobs will be created.
NOAA Streamflow Conservation Program Proposal (PDF)
NOAA Habitat Enhancement Program Proposal (PDF)
NOAA Habitat Connectivity Program Proposal (PDF)
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OWEB Contact Information:
Governor's Office Contact Information:
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