Rural Development

Despite its importance to the state, rural Oregon has historically seen underinvestment, and federal policies often leave these communities behind. This chronic neglect has created significant infrastructure challenges that must be addressed. These communities frequently lack sufficient access to health care and affordable housing, safe roadways and bridges, broadband connectivity, and adequate wastewater systems. The lack of such critical infrastructure harms quality of life for rural Oregonians and can lead to significant negative outcomes, including lack of economic growth which hampers our ability to bring good-paying, quality jobs that grow the middle-class.

As the representative for several rural counties, I will fight to ensure that the 2023 Farm Bill and other legislation that moves this Congress will invest in and uplift our rural communities. I’ll also work with the Biden Administration to draw Bipartisan Infrastructure Law andInflation Reduction Act investments to communities in Oregon where they’re needed most. The Biden Administration recently announced that Oregon will receive nearly $700 million to enhance Oregon’s broadband equity, access, and deployment. These funds will help us close the digital divide, and I look forward to seeing them put to use in Oregon’s Sixth District, and across our rural communities.

Oregon’s success is directly tied to the vitality of our rural communities. Folks in rural Oregon deserve the highest possible standard of living and to have access to critical infrastructure that helps to spur economic development. Too often our resources are directed to high population-density areas without proper consideration given to the needs of rural communities and the people who live there. To reach the state’s full potential, we must start with rural development.