Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant funding was part of a 2019 legislature approved lottery bond package scheduled for spring 2021. The sale of the bond package has been canceled due lottery shortfalls from the impacts of COVID-19. Without the $5,000,000 expected from the sale or additional action by the legislature, a new round of grants can’t be awarded.
This is a devastating blow to Oregon’s 93 historic downtowns and organizations that participate in the Oregon Main Street Network. They have struggled these past several months to meet the challenges their communities are facing during the pandemic. They have been vital to the preservation of jobs, businesses, and community resilience. Many have already been preparing for the application process slated to open in January, 2021.
The grant program was created during the 2015 legislative session, and placed with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. The grant funds building acquisition, rehabilitation, or construction projects that support community revitalization in Oregon Main Street Network communities. The program also requires that at least 50 percent of the funds go to rural communities as defined in the bill.
The legislation established a permanent fund for the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant, and provided an initial infusion of funds from the sale of lottery bonds. Subsequent funding through the sale of lottery bonds was approved in 2017 and 2019. While the 2019 approved funding is now unlikely, the fund itself remains and can be replenished by other sources including other government and private funds.
The first two grants cycles resulted in awards for 56 projects in 37 communities. Awards were spread all over the state, from Enterprise to Lakeview to Gold Beach to Astoria, and included 30 communities under 30,000 population. Types of projects funded include:
To learn more about the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant or the Oregon Main Street Network, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.gill@oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.