Bill Includes $5 Million in Projects for Oregon's Military Infrastructure

Projects requested by Wyden and Merkley Will Improve Roads, Water/Sewer Systems and Emergency Services at Oregon Military Installations

Overhead view of Camp Rilea Photo: fortwiki.com

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D- Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D- Ore.) announced today that a Military Construction appropriations bill headed to the Senate floor includes nearly $5 million in projects for military installations in Clackamas, Clatsop and Washington counties.

“These funds lay the ground work for improvements and upgrades to the infrastructure in these facilities,” Wyden said. “From improving roads and sewers to ensuring clean drinking water for local communities during emergencies, these projects ensure that Oregon’s facilities meet the needs of servicemembers and the surrounding community.”

“During the unprecedented deployment of the Oregon National Guard, it’s critical we do everything we can to provide them with the resources they need while they’re abroad and when they return home,” Merkley said. “Not only will these funds provide much needed infrastructure upgrades and services, they will also create jobs.”

Projects included in the Military Construction appropriations bill include:

Camp Withycombe Infrastructure - $1,226,000

This project will support existing and future construction, such as improvements to roads with curbs and landscaping, fitting storm and sewer systems with a new manhole connection, improvements to the power infrastructure and replacement of all overhead copper replaced by fiber communication systems. The project would also reconfigure gas lines and connections, install new water lines with new building connections and valves as well as install lights in compounds and on the street.

Camp Rilea Water Supply System - $3,369,000

This project will develop an independent water supply system to provide potable drinking water and fire suppression water for Camp Rilea’s residents and emergency populations. The project includes construction of three 200’ groundwater supply wells, a 48’ by 60’ water treatment plant, a 400,000 gallon storage reservoir and well pump stations.

Washington County Readiness Center - $386,000

The funding will provide for the design of a replacement to the existing armory in Hillsboro, Ore. to adequately accommodate units of D Company, 2nd Battalion of the 162 Infantry Regiment. It would construct a 37,707 sq. ft. facility to support administrative and training functions for the unit with adequate classroom and administrative space for training and operations for homeland security, anti-terrorism, and force protection.

The bill will be considered by the full Senate and upon passage will be reconciled with the version passed by the House of Representatives and sent to the President for his signature.