Transportation, Housing, Urban Development Appropriations

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., announced June 8 that key provisions of the pending Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill will help Oregon communities.

"We have urgent infrastructure needs, and got $1 billion in funding for TIGER grants to improve roads and bridges," Merkley said in a statement. The bill made it through the Senate Appropriations Committee and is headed for a full Senate vote. A counterpart bill is also working its way through the U.S. House of Representatives.

Here are some of the ways the bill could help residents in Deschutes County.

Capital Investment Grant Program: The bill includes $2.5 billion to provide funding for major transit investments for sustainable transportation and reduced congestion in Oregon's growing cities.

Community Development Block Grants: Merkley advocated for $3.3 billion for the grants which fund housing rehabilitation, support services and economic development projects across Oregon and the nation, while encouraging local investment.

Affordable Housing: The bill provides $22.8 billion to renew rental assistance for 2.2 million low-income households.

Homeless Assistance Grants: Merkley helped secure $2.6 billion for these grants, including $50 million for rapid rehousing programs for victims of domestic violence and $80 million for homeless youth programs.

HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing: The program received $40 million to provide rental assistance vouchers for homeless veterans, in addition to case management and clinical services.