Southeastern Oregon Mineral Withdrawal and Economic Preservation and Development Act

Southeastern Oregon Mineral Withdrawal and Economic Preservation and Development Act

This bill establishes the Southeastern Oregon Withdrawal Area, comprising 2.065 million acres of specified federal land in Malheur County, Oregon, which shall be withdrawn from certain public land, mining, and mineral leasing laws.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall make grants for projects in Oregon to develop modern and efficient water systems.

USDA shall establish an Agricultural Center for Excellence in the county.

The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 is amended to make the rural firefighters and emergency medical service assistance program permanent and require grant amounts to fund the operating expenses of firefighters in rural areas.

The Departments of Homeland Security, of Defense, and of the Interior shall establish programs for transferring surplus equipment that can be used in firefighting.

Interior shall establish a program of strategic fuel breaks from which firefighters can operate safely to preserve critical sage grouse habitat and support the nearby ranching community.

USDA shall make grants for infrastructure projects for drinking water and wastewater systems and for improvement of broadband or cellular service.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) shall study rural air services and infrastructure for Ontario (Oregon) Municipal Airport.

DOT shall:

• make a grant for the construction of an intermodal transfer facility in the county;
• furnish financial assistance for projects that would improve the downtown area of Ontario, surrounding communities, and local transportation; and
• make grants to the state to support Lake Owyhee Road Transportation Improvement Projects.

The Department of Labor shall make grants for workforce training activities in the county.