Funding For Early Learning Center Suspended

A project to remodel the former Chenowith Middle School in The Dalles to a child care center for up to 200 children along with acting as a climate resiliency hub has lost federal funding it needed to move forward with construction.  The Columbia Gorge Education Service District says it was informed a $19.9 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency that was formally contracted for in January was suspended.  $16.6 million of that grant was to be dedicated to construction costs to remodel and update the facility.  In addition, another $1.5 million that would have come from congressionally directed spending was eliminated from the Fiscal Year 2025 federal budget.  ESD Superintendent Dana Pedersen called the news disappointing, adding they do remain committed to pursuing every funding option, but right now they don’t have the funding to proceed.  Project partners North Wasco County School District 21 and Columbia Gorge Community College echoed that statement.

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