Local Government Grant Program Accepting Applications for Recreation Projects

The Local Government Grant Program's 2025 grant cycle is now open and accepting applications to help government agencies to fund everything from playground equipment and restrooms to splash pads and bike paths. Approximately $15 million in funds are available in this competitive grant process this year. The purpose of the program is to help local government agencies fund projects to acquire, develop and rehabilitate parks and public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Eligible applicants are cities, counties, metropolitan service districts, park and recreation districts, and port districts. The maximum awards range from $50,000 for small community planning grants to $100,000 for small projects to $1 million for large projects. The Oregon Lottery-funded program is administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). Program grants are split into large, small and planning categories. Application deadlines vary by grant type. Local governments can apply online at "oprdgrants.org." A recording of an online workshop held in March is available to view at "oprdgrants.org." ...Read more

Ashland Electric Utility Received National Recognition for 2024 Exceptional Reliability

The City of Ashland Electric Utility received national recognition for achieving exceptional reliability in 2024. The recognition comes from the American Public Power Association, a trade group that represents more than 2,000 not-for-profit community-owned electric utilities. APPA helps electric utilities track power outage and restoration data through its subscription-based eReliability Tracker service. Once per year, APPA's Reliability Team compares this information to national statistics tracked by the US Energy Information Administration for all types of electric utilities. The Service Availability Index for Ashland Electric Utility was an impressive 99.9956% in 2024. Nationwide, the average public power customer has their lights out for less than half the amount of time that customers of other types of utilities do. Thomas McBartlett, City of Ashland Electric Utility Director, said they are proud to receive this recognition. He said it's a testament to the hard work of all their staff to ensure that they keep Ashland powered. ...Read more

Mount Ashland 2025-26 Season Pass Sale Runs from April 1st Through April 30th

With the winter season coming to end at Mount Ashland later this month, purchase your 2025-26 Season Pass now during the Spring Sale and ride that stoke all the way to next winter. Save up to $200 on next year's Mount Ashland Season Pass when you purchase it before April 30th. Unlock five months of financing and season pass benefits such as unlimited skiing and riding, day lift tickets to partnering ski areas and more. If it's your first time purchasing a pass, buy now and get 25% off daily lift tickets at Mount Ashland for the rest of this season. It's never too early to get ready for another epic season at Mount Ashland, your local mountain playground. For more information, visit "mtashland.com." ...Read more