Oregon Parks And Recreation Announces New Veterans' And War Memorial Grant Program

OPRD has awarded more than $20 million in lottery-funded grants to support local community projects since 1998.

Photo: Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - In a move to honor Oregon's thousands of soldiers and veterans, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is inviting non-profit veterans' organizations to apply for the state's first grants to help build and restore veterans' and war memorials on public land.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to help honor Oregon's soldiers and commemorate their service to Oregon and the country,” said OPRD Director Tim Wood in announcing the first cycle of the Veterans' and War Memorial Grant Program.

The 2005 Oregon Legislature created and authorized the grants, which can be used to fund up to 80 percent of a project's construction or restoration costs.

Organizations eligible for the lottery-supported funding must be based in Oregon, or, like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, have chapters in the state.

OPRD's Local Government Advisory Committee will review applications and recommend grants to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission.

Criteria used in evaluating project proposals will include partnership involvement, public support, timeliness and sustainability.

The commission will approve the first round of funding at a meeting May 10th.

OPRD will offer information on the application process along with technical assistance at a workshop for eligible applicants Jan. 16th at the Oregon State Fair Floral Building in Salem.

March 2nd is the application deadline.

More information about the grant program can be found online through egov.oregon.gov/OPRD/GRANTS/index.shtml