July 26, 2023 3:00 a.m.

On Tuesday, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced that Oregon will receive more than $4.3 million from the Department of the Interior to support future outdoor recreation and conservation projects.

Wyden said, “Oregon is home to some of the most treasured natural beauty in our nation where Oregonians and visitors from all over the world can experience the great outdoors”. Wyden is the sponsor of the Oregon Recreation Enhancement Act and the Recreation Not Red Tape Act. Wyden said, “Outdoor recreation creates jobs and supports rural economies all over the state. I’m gratified to see these dollars go into conserving Oregon’s public lands so families can enjoy them for generations to come, and small businesses in our rural communities can continue to benefit”.

Merkley said, “Coming together to protect our state’s natural wonders will ensure future generations of Oregonians are able to enjoy our incredible public lands”. Merkley is the chair of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee which oversees funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Merkley said, “By funding outdoor recreation and conservation projects, we can create more jobs, grow economies, and keep our public lands accessible for years to come”.

The senators release said the Land and Water Conservation Fund supports increased access to and protection for federal public lands and waters – including national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and recreation areas – and provides grants to Tribal, state and local governments to support the acquisition and development of land for public parks and other recreation sites.

More information is linked: https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-wyden-merkley-more-than-43-million-to-oregon-for-outdoor-recreation-and-conservation-projects