The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) is a state agency led by a 17-member policy oversight board. The Board fosters the collaboration of citizens, agencies, and local interests.

OWEB programs support Oregon's efforts to restore salmon runs, improve water quality, and strengthen ecosystems that are critical to healthy watersheds and sustainable communities. OWEB administers a grant program funded from the Oregon Lottery, as a result of a citizen initiative in 1998, federal funds and salmon license plate dollars. The grant program supports voluntary efforts by Oregonians seeking to create and maintain healthy watersheds.

Staff reports are now available for the June Board meeting. Items on the agenda for June include board consideration of pending watershed council support applications, deferred acquisitions and the 2009-2011 grant cycle schedule.

The Governor's proposed Oregon Emergency Jobs Program will provide temporary, entry-level jobs for unemployed Oregonians and meet real needs in our communities.. The program requires approval of the Legislature for program design and funding. OWEB encourages watershed councils, soil and water conservation districts and other organizations to explore this opportunity to see if there are good fits with your ongoing work. Your projects to protect and restore watersheds, fish and wildlife habitat and clean water may help leverage additional employment to help communities and families throughout the state.

As outlined in more detail in the linked Instructions (see below), county, local government and local non-profit organizations should submit applications to their Local Workforce Investment Board. Project proposals will be reviewed and approved according to the criteria (see page 5 in the Instructions) and funding availability (see pages 6-7 in the Instructions).

Because the goal is to get unemployed Oregonians working by July 1, applications should be submitted as quickly as possible for review. The first round of project proposals is due May 29, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Applications will continue to be accepted until funding has been fully distributed.

Contact: April McGuire, Community Colleges and Workforce Development (503) 378-8648 or April.McGuire@state.or.us

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.

In September 2007, the OWEB Board allocated $1 million for a joint effort with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to fund projects that will benefit Oregon's symbolic species.