December 17, 2019

Merkley, Wyden Announce USDA Loan of Over $42.5 Million for Tillamook Electricity Infrastructure Upgrades

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced that the Tillamook People’s Utility has received a 30-year loan of over $42.5 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program for critical line expansion and improvement.

“This loan will help ensure that Tillamook’s electricity needs are met for years to come, and help hundreds of Oregonians gain access to new lines,” said Merkley, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Agriculture and Rural Development, which oversees the USDA. “That’s a big win for the community, and I will continue to do everything I can to identify opportunities to support the growth, jobs, and infrastructure upgrades our families need to thrive.”

“These resources to add electric transmission lines and improve existing lines will be a big plus for quality of life and jobs in the Tillamook community,” Wyden said. “This investment in the Tillamook People’s Utility spotlights well how the federal government can help rural Oregon build on its strengths to grow for generations to come.”

Tillamook People’s Utility serves more than 21,000 Oregonians with 1,200 miles of line. The $42,575,000 loan will fund 10 new line miles, improve 231 miles of distribution line, and provide service to 600 new consumers. In addition, this loan will finance installation of nine new miles of transmission and a new headquarters facility to efficiently serve the community’s electricity demands.