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GRANTS AWARDED FOR MAIN STREET PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE STATE

May 30, 2023 9:30 a.m.

Oregon Heritage, a division of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, has awarded 27 matching grants worth nearly $5 million to Oregon State Main Network organizations across the state for building projects that encourage economic development.

An OPRD release said projects range from façade improvement to basic facilities and housing with awards ranging from $62,930 to $200,000.

The release said the department funded applications that best conveyed the ability to stimulate private investment and local economic development, fit within the community’s long-range plan for downtown vitality, and community need. Oregon Main Street Coordinator Sheri Stuart said, “We have seen the impact of these funds the local Main Street organizations have brought their communities on projects to date. We are excited to support this new round of projects and the potential to enhance and support downtowns across the state.”

*Several projects will address a variety of preservation needs from window repair to electrical and plumbing. This includes projects by the City of Reedsport, Medford Downtown Association, Klamath Falls Downtown Association and a number of other organizations

*Several projects were for housing increases or improvements including projects by the Albany Downtown Association, Salem Main Street Alliance, St. Helens Main Street Alliance and other organizations

Other projects were for structural and roof preparation projects, to increase lodging options and to fund new construction

The grant program was created by the 2015 legislative session and placed with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. The legislation established a permanent fund for the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant and provided an initial infusion of funds from the sale of lottery bonds. The legislation included the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant in the lottery bond packaged approved in 2021.

To learn more about the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant or the Oregon Main Street Network, go to: www.oregonheritage.org.