Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Awards More Than $10 Million in Grants to Support Restoration 

March 17, 2021 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE        

For More Information: Eric Williams Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 503-971-345-7014 eric.williams@oregon.gov

(Salem) – The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) awarded 85 grants totaling $10,095,681 to local organizations statewide to support fish and wildlife habitat and water quality projects at their March 9-10 board meeting.

“These investments will improve habitat for species ranging from sage grouse to native salmon, while also improving water quality and supporting the local natural resource economy,” says Meta Loftsgaarden, OWEB’s executive director. Grants are funded across Oregon, primarily in the state’s rural areas.

Funding for these projects comes from three primary sources – the Oregon Lottery, Salmon License Plate revenues, and Federal Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery funds provided by the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration. A listing of all awarded grants is available in the Spring 2020 Open Solicitation Grant Offering report.

Since 1999, the Oregon Lottery has provided $684 million to OWEB’s grant program that helps restore, maintain and enhance Oregon’s watersheds along with additional investments from Salmon License Plate revenues. Combined, the Lottery has earned over $9 billion for watershed enhancements, public education, state parks and economic development. Information about the Oregon Lottery can be found on their website.

OWEB is now accepting online applications for the Spring 2021 Open Solicitation Grant Offering. Information about how to apply for an OWEB grant and application deadlines can be found on the OWEB website.  

For additional information about OWEB’s grant programs, contact Eric Williams at eric.williams@oregon.gov.