| Economic Stimulus and Recovery: "The Oregon Way" |
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Oregon is focused on accelerating our state’s economic recovery by creating jobs and economic stability for communities throughout the state during this volatile time. Business Oregon’s mission is to assist existing Oregon businesses to create and retain jobs. 
Governor Ted Kulongoski’s approach is comprehensive, leveraging state and federal dollars and private investment to maximize efforts that deliver short-term stimulus and long-term economic prosperity. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) empowers Oregon to invest in its economy by pursuing smart, sustainable and transformational efforts—doing this “The Oregon Way.”
Under the leadership of the Governor and the Oregon Way team, Business Oregon will partner with other state agencies such as the Oregon Department of Energy, the Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Department of Transportation to swiftly and efficiently deliver funding that creates jobs and improves communities across the state of Oregon.
Oregon’s strategy is to build on our track record of innovation. The ARRA provides Oregon an opportunity to transform the way the state approaches economic development and demonstrate to the world that through pioneering, green and creative investments, we can deliver jobs immediately and for the long-term while also reducing energy costs and our carbon footprint—wins for our economy and environment.
OECDD expects to distribute $27.8 million in Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan funds to communities this summer creating construction jobs and improving public health in Oregon communities. In addition, the department hopes to receive and distribute several million dollars in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
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| Highlights |
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Oregon will receive $27.8 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 allocated through the Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund (SDWRLF) Program.
- At least 50% of ARRA funds will be awarded as grant. Awards will be based on financial review of the application and may result in a mixture of grant, loan and principal forgiveness.
- At least 20% of ARRA funds must be applied to costs associated with green infrastructure projects.
- Application for ARRA funding is being conducted on a competitive basis.
- Deadline to apply for ARRA funding is April 15, 2009
- Public water systems with projects detailed in a SDWRLF Letter of Interest(s) are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must certify that their project will be either under a construction contract or have already begun construction no later than February 16, 2010.
- Applicants must certify that their construction project will be complete no later than February 16, 2011.
- Awards announced May 15, 2009
- Funding cap per project remains at $6 million. Project requesting more than $6 million will require review and approval from the Drinking Water Advisory Council.
- Project funding requests must include an asset management planning activity.
- Projects funded in whole or in part with ARRA funding will require compliance with Davis Bacon Wage Rates and BOLI Wage Rates according to state law.
- Projects funded with ARRA funding will require compliance with Buy American for iron, steel and manufactured goods provisions.
- No property or easements may be purchased with ARRA funds.
- Applicants may apply for refinancing/restructuring debt incurred after October 1, 2008, for an eligible SDWRLF drinking water project. All refinanced/restructured loans will be subject to compliance with Davis Bacon Wage Rates, Buy American provisions, and construction and completion timelines.
See SDWRLF Guidelines & Application at the right for the timelines and necessary forms.
Questions? For more information contact your regional coordinator.
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