Housing & Planning, News

Chiloquin Awarded $16.34 Million EPA Community Change Grant to Build State-of-the-Art Community Resilience Hub and Municipal Center

Published: 1.2.2025

The City of Chiloquin will provide critical services and resources for its rural and historically underserved populations with a  $16.34 million Community Change Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This transformative funding will support the construction of a cutting-edge Community Resilience Hub and Municipal Center on the former Markwardt Bros Garage property in the heart of downtown Chiloquin. The project and programs developed around it will serve as a cornerstone for community resilience, environmental stewardship, economic development, and civic engagement.

“This grant is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our community,” said Cathy Stuhr, Brownfield Program Manager, City of Chiloquin. “It represents an investment in our infrastructure and in our residents. This project will honor our history and culture, increase our community resilience, and prepare us to face tomorrow’s challenges together.”

A Vision for Resilience and Community Empowerment

The Community Resilience Hub and Municipal Center will be designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind, the facility will include:

  • Emergency shelter and communication capabilities with special accommodations for the elderly and disabled (including their pets) ensuring the safety of all residents during crises.
  • Space for educational initiatives, community events, and public programs.
  • Modern municipal offices that streamline city services and support local governance.

Programs developed throughout the project will include a woodstove trade-out program and air monitoring studies and community disaster preparedness and resiliency training. This project reflects Chiloquin’s commitment to addressing the unique needs of our City and surrounding areas,      fostering a resilient future for generations to come.

From Contamination to Transformation: A History of Environmental Brownfield Cleanup

The new facility will be built on a former brownfield site, symbolizing a remarkable journey of environmental reclamation and renewal. For years, the site—once home to industrial and commercial activities—posed significant environmental and public health risks due to contamination and physical hazards.

Thanks to dedicated efforts from local leaders and community stakeholders, the site underwent extensive cleanup funded through EPA and Business Oregon Brownfields Program grants, and private foundation funding. Contaminated soil and hazardous materials were safely removed, and      the land was restored to support new development. This transformation eliminated environmental hazards and created a foundation for new opportunities.

Community Collaboration and Support

The City of Chiloquin worked closely with community members, The Klamath Tribes, regional organizations, and State and Federal partners to develop a vision for the project that reflects local priorities and values. Project partners include: Chiloquin Visions In Progress, Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Lake Long Term Recovery Group, and The Klamath Tribes.  Continued collaborative community participation and support are essential for the success of the project.

Next Steps

Design of the Community Resilience Hub and Municipal Center is slated to begin in winter 2025 and construction is expected to be completed in early 2028. The project team will host public meetings and provide updates to ensure transparency and continued community involvement throughout the design and construction process as well as in the creation and delivery of community emergency preparedness and resiliency training and workshops. Programmatic workshops and community resilience and disaster preparedness training will be conducted throughout the project.

For more information about the project or to get involved, please contact Cathy Stuhr at [email protected].

About the EPA Community Change Grant Program

TheU.S. Environmental Protection Agency selected 105 applications from a pool of 2,700 applicants across the country for the Community Change Grants Program, totaling nearly $1.6 billion in awards. The awards will advance local, on-the-ground projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity. The EPA Community Change Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainable, community-driven development and environmental justice. By investing in projects that address environmental, social, and economic disparities, the program aims to empower communities to thrive.