US Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced major investments to enhance water infrastructure and conservation including nearly $3 million for the Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery in Jackson County.
More than $12.5 million in funding for eight critical community-initiated projects across the state have passed through the Fiscal Year 2024 Minibus Funding Package. The six-bill package cleared both chambers of Congress last week and was quickly signed into law by President Biden.
Wyden and Merkley secured the investments in the Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water Development bill in the funding package. It supports programs and projects to enhance water infrastructure, small ports and fisheries.
The Cole Rivers Hatchery on the Rogue River will receive $2.92 million for repairs to the fresh water supply system. This will prevent the complete failure of and loss of fish at the hatchery as well as to help create a more climate-resilient hatchery that meets its mitigation obligations, reliably sustains regionally important fisheries and economies, and plays a key role in conservation programs for at-risk native fish populations.
The Oregon Senators said these actions will boost job creation, particularly in rural and coastal communities.
