The application period is now open for Oregon’s Regional Infrastructure Fund, a $10 million grant pool that is intended to go toward small community and tribal projects.

The program is open to local governments and tribes with populations of less than 25,000. The funding was created by House Bill 5204, an economic development package that was passed by the Legislature and then signed into law in April.

Construction grants will range from $100,000 to $1 million. They can be used for site acquisition, infrastructure construction and related improvements.

Planning grants are also available, from $25,000 to $250,000. They can be used for land-use planning, engineering, feasibility studies and project research.

“The Regional Infrastructure Fund is designed to meet our small, rural, and tribal communities where they are, whether that means supporting the engineering work that gets a project shovel-ready or helping move construction forward.” Gov. Tina Kotek stated in a news release issued on Monday.

The program is administered by Business Oregon, the state economic development agency. Grant applications are due by 5 p.m. on Sept. 16. Notices of awards are expected to be issued on Oct. 30.

Applications will be evaluated on criteria such as project readiness and alignment with regional community and economic development priorities. A scoring matrix and eligibility details are available in the Request for Grant Applications.

An informational webinar for applicants is scheduled for Aug. 18. Details will be posted on the Business Oregon website.

To learn more and submit grant applications, visit .

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