Southeastern Oregon Development Act 2017-08-02 Introduced in Senate Southeastern Oregon Development Act

This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make grants for projects in Oregon to develop modern and efficient water systems.

USDA shall establish an Agricultural Center for Rangeland Excellence in Malheur County, Oregon (the county).

The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 is amended to make the rural firefighters and emergency medical service assistance program permanent and require grant amounts to fund the operating expenses of firefighters in rural areas.

The Departments of Homeland Security, of Defense, and of the Interior shall establish programs for transferring surplus equipment that can be used in fire fighting.

Interior shall establish a program of strategic fuel breaks from which firefighters can operate safely to preserve critical sage grouse habitat and support the nearby ranching community.

USDA shall make grants for infrastructure projects for drinking water and wastewater systems and for improvement of broadband or cellular service.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) shall study rural air services and infrastructure for Ontario (Oregon) Municipal Airport.

DOT shall:

  • make a grant for the construction or improvement of transportation systems facilitating the efficient movement of agricultural and other products through the Treasure Valley Intermodal Transfer Facility in the county;
  • furnish financial assistance for projects that would improve the downtown area of the cities of the county, surrounding communities, and transportation within the cities; and
  • make grants to the state to support Lake Owyhee road transportation improvement projects.

The Department of Labor shall make grants for workforce development training activities in the county.

USDA shall conduct a study on the need for an economic regional commission in specified counties in Oregon.

The bill establishes the Southeastern Oregon Withdrawal Area, comprising 2.065 million acres of specified federal land in the county, which shall be withdrawn from certain public land, mining, and mineral leasing laws.

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