CCBUTI, Three Other Oregon Tribes, and OED Secure Funds for Power Grid Resilience
The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians (CCBUTI) has been selected as one of four Oregon Tribes to receive federal funds alongside Oregon’s Energy Department (OED) to be put toward modernizing electrical grids and reducing impacts on power sectors due to extreme weather, according to a press release from the US Department of Energy.
CCBUTI will be receiving $268,172, funds which will be put toward reaching the goals set by the Tribally-owned Umpqua Indian Utility Cooperative, which aim to construct a 230kv distribution substation to improve power supply reliability and reduce dependence on existing energy suppliers.
“For the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, we aim to use these generous funds to improve the reliability of delivering power, water, and utility services provided by our own Umpqua Indian Utility Cooperative to the many Cow Creek Umpqua Tribally-owned properties, our Tribal citizens, and our community members in Canyonville,” said Carla Keene, Chairman of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians. “This grant allows us to exercise our sovereign rights, strengthen the resilience of our system, and put us closer to achieving one of our long-term goals of energy independence.”
Oregon’s Energy Department, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Nez Perce Tribe, and Burns Paiute Tribe also received federal funds for the same purposes.
“Oregon families, small businesses, schools, hospitals and more rely on a dependable energy grid, said Senator Ron Wyden. “These fresh federal investments in grid resilience are incredibly timely after this year’s state record of nearly 2 million acres burned by wildfires. I’m gratified these resources are heading to these Tribes along with the state Energy Department, and will keep battling for similar funds for communities throughout the state.”
More information:
