OAR 603-008-0030: Standards to Determine Project Eligibility

(1) The Department shall award Meat Processing Infrastructure and Capacity Building grant funds of up to $750,000 per application. All grant funds must be distributed by June 30 of the biennium in which the grant was awarded. (2) Grant funds must be used to expand or build new processing capacity for animals raised in Oregon, including: (a) Upgrades to and/or expansion of establishments that are expected to operate under a program of state inspection; (b) Construction of new establishments that are expected to operate under a program of state inspection; or (c) Expansion of establishments that operate under a program of federal inspection and plan to increase processing of meat from animals raised in Oregon. (3) Grant funds may also be used for costs related to the activities described in section (2) of this rule, including technical assistance, planning, construction, and the purchase of equipment. (4) Preference shall be given to establishments that prioritize seasonally feasible processing of meat from animals raised in Oregon. Preference may also be given to establishments that address gaps in type of processing or gaps in species processing; or expand existing or develop new processing in areas of Oregon with limited access to meat processing services.