Posted on June 1, 2017
By Jane Stebbins, The Curry Coastal Pilot
Oregon’s elected officials in Washington D.C. secured from the Army Corps of Engineers $2.1 million for much-needed dredging of small ports, including $800,000 for Gold Beach.
The announcement followed a letter penned by Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and Rep. Peter DeFazio, and Suzanne Bonamici and Earl Blumenauer requesting money for small ports in the corp’s 2017 work plan.
“This funding is especially critical for Gold Beach, which was at risk of losing Coast Guard search and rescue capabilities, which would put lives at risk and effectively grind a productive working port to a halt,” Merkley said. “Getting these urgently-needed dredging projects moving is a great investment for Oregon and our nation.”
Other ports funded included $467,000 for the Coquille River in Bandon, $27,000 for Depoe Bay, and $893,000 for the Yaquina Bay and harbor in Newport.
“This funding will make a tremendous difference for safety, economic vitality and job creation along Oregon’s coast,” Merkley said. “This is terrific news for Bandon, Depoe Bay, Gold Beach and Newport.”
“Oregon’s small ports power our coastal economies by generating good-paying jobs in commercial fishing, recreation and much more,” Wyden said. “I’m glad to see the federal government recognize the importance of coastal communities by investing in our ports, which will now be able to complete crucial dredging projects that keep these communities afloat.”
“Oregon’s ports and harbors are the lifeblood of the communities they serve,” DeFazio added. “Thousands of Oregon jobs are directly or indirectly tied to cargo, recreation, industrial, commercial and other activity at Oregon’s ports. These critical investments in dredging and maintenance will help ensure Oregon’s small ports stay open for business and boost local economies. I applaud the Army Corps for including this essential funding in their work plan.”
“This is a testament to what Congress can do when it ignores ideological differences and works across the aisle to strengthen local communities,” Blumenauer said. “I’m glad the Army Corps understands these needs. This will make a difference.”
Source: Curry Coastal Pilot
