Oregon – Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden have announced the $909,000 award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership (LCEP), thus greatly benefiting environmental protection in Oregon. Derived from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this money will help a number of projects aiming at improving the water quality and ecological health of the Lower Columbia River area.
Designed to improve public access to the picturesque lower Columbia River, protect natural ecosystems, and boost water quality, the award will help LCEP to carry out its Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). These initiatives are meant to highlight how important the river is in sustaining local wildlife as well as leisure activities.
Emphasizing the significance of the Columbia River estuaries, Senator Merkley said their condition is vital for the survival of Oregon’s ecosystems and communities.
“This Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding will empower the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership to collaborate with local partners on innovative projects that restore habitats, improve water quality, and enhance public access, ensuring the estuary thrives for generations to come,” Senator Merkley said.
Echoing Merkley’s sentiments, Senator Wyden emphasized the dual benefits of the project.
“Providing Oregonians and visitors to our state more access to the lower Columbia while stepping up protections for the estuaries of this natural treasure adds up to a big win,” Wyden said. “The investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to accomplish all those objectives proves yet again how this landmark legislation continues to make Oregon an even better and healthier state to live and work.”
Projects ranging from habitat restoration to building green stormwater infrastructure to increasing public access locations along the river will be facilitated by the EPA award. These projects also seek to integrate educational and community groups in conservation activities, therefore raising environmental awareness and encouraging community participation in river maintenance.
Executive Director of LCEP Elaine Placido described the broad ramifications of this project.
“Our Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan lays an ambitious and necessary path to improve water quality, protect and restore important habitat, and engage schools and community organizations as valued partners in the restoration of our region. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for National Estuary Programs has been essential in quickly moving projects forward that help the lower Columbia region meet these goals – it is critical to advancing floodplain restoration, building green stormwater projects, and providing environmental education for students. The ripples of benefit from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are just beginning to be seen throughout the lower Columbia River and they will carry on for decades to come,” said Elaine Placido, Executive Director, LCEP.
This strategic investment underlines the continuous dedication of federal and local authorities to protect and improve Oregon’s natural environments so that they will always be vibrant and easily accessible for next generations.
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