Representative Mark Owens

Legislature Approves Funds For Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replacement Fund

During June Legislative Days, the Emergency Board voted to allocate an additional $1 million to the Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replacement Fund (WARRF).

The governor approved drought emergency status for more counties this week. Now, seventeen counties have declared droughts, and more are likely to follow.

The WARRF program was initially issued in 2021 to assist Oregonians experiencing issues with well water supply, but funds were predicted to run out this month. Because the E-board was able to replenish these funds, grants (up to $40,000) will continue to be available for homeowners who need to deepen their wells that are drying due to extended drought conditions.

If you have a well on your property and are experiencing water supply issues, visit owrd.info/drywell or contact my office for further assistance.

Oregon Water Resources Department : Report a Dry Well : Groundwater and Wells : State of Oregon An official website of the State of Oregon Learn How you know » (how to identify a Oregon.gov website) An official website of the State of Oregon »

Great news for Baker County! The Baker County Library District is now lending Oregon State Parks day-use permits, giving more residents the opportunity to enjoy Oregon’s incredible outdoor spaces. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this program to our community. Take advantage of this great resource and get outside to explore! 🌲📚🏞️

Baker County Library District to lend out OPRD day-use permits - Elkhorn Media Group BAKER CITY – (Press Release from Baker County Library Director Perry Stokes) Baker County Library ...Read More

On Saturday, June 13, the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center will be at Geiser-Pollman Park for Oregon Trail Days.

Starting at 10am there will be free family-friendly fun, including crafts, games, storytelling, historic demonstrations, food trucks, wagon rides, and music.

Activities will conclude at 4pm, but the fun goes on with a musical performance with Powder River Music R***e from 4pm to 6pm.