Salem, Oregon – For many of Oregon’s smallest communities, economic growth can stall long before a new business opens or a housing project breaks ground. The obstacle is often basic but expensive: water systems, roads, engineering plans and land that is ready for construction.
A new $10 million state fund aims to move those projects off the drawing board and closer to reality. Governor Tina Kotek announced that applications are now open for Oregon’s Regional Infrastructure Fund, which will support small communities and federally recognized tribes.
“Infrastructure is where economic development begins,” Kotek said. “Communities have a tough time attracting new employers, building housing, or growing their main street businesses without reliable water, roads, and sites ready for investment.”
The program is available to Oregon local governments and federally recognized tribes serving populations below 25,000. Applications opened Monday, August 3, and must be submitted by 5 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, September 16.
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Funding will be divided into two categories.
Construction grants will range from $100,000 to $1 million. Those awards may be used for site acquisition, infrastructure construction and related improvements.
Planning grants will range from $25,000 to $250,000. Eligible work includes engineering, land-use planning, feasibility studies and research needed to prepare an infrastructure project for construction.
That distinction could allow communities at very different stages to compete. Some applicants may already have projects ready for construction, while others may still need technical work before equipment can arrive on site.
“The Regional Infrastructure Fund is designed to meet our small, rural, and tribal communities where they are, whether that means supporting the engineering work that gets a project shovel ready or helping move construction forward,” Kotek said.
Applications will be scored based on factors including project readiness and whether the proposal supports regional community and economic development priorities identified by Regional Solutions Advisory Committees.
The fund was approved through House Bill 5204, the economic development package signed by Kotek in April 2026. Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, will administer the program.
Applicant questions are due September 2, with responses scheduled to be posted September 9. Award notices are anticipated on October 30. An informational webinar is also planned for Tuesday, August 18.
Eligibility rules, application materials and submission instructions are available through the Regional Infrastructure Fund portal at www.oregon.gov/biz/programs/RIF/.
