Merkley, Wyden Secure Federal Funding to Expand Pollinator Habitat Along Oregon Highways

Washington, D.C. - Today, Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced $150,000 in federal funds for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to create and restore pollinator habitats along Oregon highways.The funding, which is the maximum award under the Federal Highway Administration's Pollinator-Friendly Practices on Roadsides and Highway Rights-of-Way Program (also known as the Roadside Pollinator Program), will allow native seed mixes and adjusted mowing practices to improve roadside pollinator habitats.

"Pollinators need healthy habitats to survive and benefit Oregon's farms, forests, and natural landscapes," said Merkley. "This project is a great example of how we can make our roadsides work even better for Oregon, creating habitat for iconic species such as the Western Monarch and native bees while building greater resilience to drought. I'll keep pushing for federal investments that strengthen our communities and ecosystems."

"Bees and butterflies will all benefit from this fresh federal investment in pollinator health that's a key to fighting drought and supporting landscapes native to Oregon," said Wyden. "I very much look forward as I travel our state's highways all over Oregon to witnessing the results of this innovative effort."

"This sort of project delivers so many benefits," said Chris Warner, Interim ODOT Director. "We're creating healthier habitat for pollinators like native bees and Monarch butterflies, while increasing drought and fire resiliency, all while reducing the long-term need for pesticide use to control weeds. This work serves as an example of how our transportation system can work for people, the environment and the communities we serve."

For years, Merkley has led the charge to revive the populations of monarchs and other pollinators. He leads the bipartisan Roadside Pollinator Program Amendments Act, which builds upon the success of his bipartisan Monarch and Pollinator Highway Act that was signed into law as a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and created the Roadside Pollinator Program.

Merkley also wrote the Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat (MONARCH) Act-which is cosponsored by Wyden-to help prevent the extinction of the Western Monarch butterfly and other critically important pollinators. Previously, Merkley hosted two Monarch Butterfly Summits, in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior, the first of which announced a $1 million investment in the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Pollinator Fund and established a Pollinator Conservation Center at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. As former Chair of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds the Interior Department, Merkley has secured more than $18 million in dedicated funding for monarch and pollinator conservation.

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