Water District Responds to Funding Loss
The Mapleton Water District is facing a major setback after FEMA abruptly terminated its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, program. The federal decision, announced April 4th, cancels all unawarded BRIC grants from 2020 to 2023 — including a $2.7 million proposal for a 300,000-gallon emergency water storage tank in Mapleton. Despite years of volunteer work and technical support from Lane County and the Oregon Community Foundation, the now-canceled grant had been approved but not funded. The district, which has faced persistent challenges in delivering clean, reliable water, had also submitted two additional system improvement requests — both now rejected. District Chair Vanessa West called the decision disheartening, while Grant Committee Chair Art Donnelly said the estimated $20 million in needed improvements is impossible without state and federal help. The district says it’s now exploring future funding options to keep water flowing for the community.
Merkley and Hoyle Respond to FEMA Situation
More on the FEMA cancellations: U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Oregon Congresswoman Val Hoyle are urging FEMA to restore the recently canceled Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, grants. The move comes after FEMA halted funding for approved projects like Mapleton’s proposed water storage tank, which was intended to safeguard clean water access and flood resilience. Hoyle and other Oregon lawmakers called the decision shortsighted and harmful to rural and coastal communities. They say canceling mid-project funding puts lives and infrastructure at greater risk amid growing climate threats.
Fun-Raiser for CROW
The 118th annual Rhododendron Festival is just five weeks away, and events for that weekend are already shaping up. One event this year will be a new one. Melanie Heard is the Artistic Director and Founder of the Children’s Repertory Workshop of Oregon, also known as CROW. They’ll be hosting a four-hour “fun-draiser” on Saturday, May 17th, from 10:00 to 2:00 at the Crow Center at 3120 Highway 101. She calls it “Chalk It Up,” and it’s simple. Over those four hours, you are encouraged to sponsor one square foot of the CROW parking lot, or more if you like, and then create art using sidewalk chalk. Heard says when it’s complete, it will be a “colorful quilt” on display for all to enjoy. The money raised on May 17th will help the organization host summer youth programs, and she says it comes at an important time.
“The Arts Really Do Matter is our slogan and what that basically means is that participation in the arts can impact a child for the rest of their life, helping them to develop life skills, get a great job and participate as a wonderful member of the community.”
Heard says complete information on how to give or participate can be found on their website crowkids dot com.
Governor Kotek Pushback
Governor Tina Kotek is pushing back against the Trump Administration’s threat to withhold federal education funds unless Oregon eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The ultimatum was directed at the Oregon Department of Education, which responded today by certifying its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. In a statement, Governor Kotek called the federal threat “unwarranted and unlawful,” adding that Oregon will not back down from protecting students, educators, and the state’s values. She reaffirmed her commitment to public education as a top priority.
