Chiloquin Awarded $16.34 Million EPA Community Change Grant to Build State-of-the-Art Community Resilience Hub and Municipal Center
Chiloquin, OR — 12/13/24 — The City of Chiloquin is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $16.34 million Community Change Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This transformative funding will support the construction of a cutting-edge Community Resilience Hub and Municipal Center on the former Markwardt Bros Garage property in the heart of downtown Chiloquin. The project and programs developed around it will serve as a cornerstone for community resilience, environmental stewardship, economic development and civic engagement.
“This grant is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our community,” said Cathy Stuhr, Brownfield Program Manager, City of Chiloquin. “It represents an investment in our infrastructure and in our residents. This project will honor our history and culture, increase our community resilience, and prepare us to face tomorrow’s challenges together.”
A Vision for Resilience and Community Empowerment
The Community Resilience Hub and Municipal Center will provide critical services and resources to Chiloquin and surrounding area. Designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind, the facility will include:
- Emergency shelter and communication capabilities with special accommodations for the elderly and disabled (including their pets) ensuring the safety of all residents during crises.
- Space for educational initiatives, community events, and public programs.
- Modern municipal offices that streamline city services and support local governance.
Programs developed throughout the project will include a woodstove trade-out program, air monitoring studies, and community disaster preparedness and resiliency training. This project reflects Chiloquin’s commitment to addressing the unique needs of our rural and historically underserved populations, fostering a resilient future for generations to come.
From Contamination to Transformation: A History of Environmental Brownfield Cleanup
The new facility will be built on a former brownfield site, symbolizing a remarkable journey of environmental reclamation and renewal. For years, the site—once home to industrial and commercial activities—posed significant environmental and public health risks due to contamination and physical hazards.
Thanks to dedicated efforts from local leaders and community stakeholders, the site underwent extensive cleanup funded through EPA and Business Oregon Brownfields Program grants and private foundation funding. Contaminated soil and hazardous materials were safely removed, and the land was restored to support new development. This transformation eliminated environmental hazards and created a foundation for new opportunities.
Community Collaboration and Support
This project was made possible by community-wide collaboration. The City of Chiloquin worked closely with community members, The Klamath Tribes, regional organizations, and State and Federal partners to develop a vision for the project that reflects local priorities and values. Project partners include: Chiloquin Visions In Progress, Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Lake Long Term Recovery Group, and The Klamath Tribes. Continued collaborative community participation and support are essential for the success of the project.
Project Update May 2025
The current Administration has terminated the funding for this project. The City has submitted a formal letter of disagreement regarding the grant termination. U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley raised concerns about this decision and the termination of similar grants in other Oregon communities during a recent hearing with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. View Congressional Hearing.
Project Update January 2025
PUBLIC HEARING - Tuesday, January 7 starting at 5pm at City Hall. The purpose of this public hearing is to take public comment on the proposed action to exempt the Chiloquin Community Resilience Hub and Municipal Center Project from the competitive bidding requirements of ORS Chapter 279C and to approve a Design Build contracting method ("DB") for the Project. City Council will take public comment on the factual findings and additional findings that have been prepared to support this proposed action. Copies of the draft Findings are available at city hall.
About the EPA Community Change Grant Program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency selected 105 applications from a pool of 2,700 applicants across the country for the Community Change Grants Program, totaling nearly $1.6 billion in awards to date. The awards will advance local, on-the-ground projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. The EPA Community Change Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainable, community-driven development and environmental justice. By investing in projects that address environmental, social, and economic disparities, the program aims to empower communities to thrive.