thjrUS Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley recently announced a $7.8 million investment in rural Oregon school districts to support energy improvement projects and renewable energy technologies.
The Renew America's Schools Prize and Grant investment, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will improve 11 facilities identified by the Oregon Department of Education.
The Three Rivers School District in Josephine County is among the recipients of the federal grant to improve heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems as well as upgrade lighting on three of its campuses.
Three Rivers School District Superintendent Dave Valenzuela said they are thrilled that Evergreen Elementary, Fort Vannoy Elementary and Illinois Valley High will be recipients of the Renew America's Schools Grant. He thanked Senators Wyden and Merkley for their support.
Valenzuela said Three Rivers' schools are in critical need of improvements -- especially with the increasing challenges of heat and smoke during fire season. He said it's essential that their students have a healthy and comfortable environment to learn and thrive.
Wyden said this significant investment will provide healthy and comfortable places for kids and educators, plus it will generate much-needed local construction jobs in rural counties across the state.
