June 26, 2020 10:55 a.m. 

Oregon’s U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced that the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality will receive $215,000 in federal funding to support additional monitoring to help protect Oregonians from possible waterborne diseases at Oregon’s beaches.

A release said the grant will fund the collection and testing of water samples from designated recreational beaches in Oregon. The water will be tested for bacteriological water quality, and the public will be notified if and when the waters meet water quality standards and are safe for swimming and recreating.

Wyden said “our state’s world-renowned beaches are synonymous with great recreation and a fun getaway for Oregonians and tourists alike”. He said the funding will help ensure that all those activities and more will continue in a safe environment for beach lovers of all ages.

Merkley said he is pleased the funding is making its way to Oregon, “so our state can monitor the quality of our waters, promote safety, and support this special Oregon tradition”.

The grant is being distributed through the Environmental Protection Agency.