Eleven community projects will benefit from the annual Oregon City Civic Improvement Trust (OCCIT) grant program. “During these challenging economic times, the support from these grant funds will enable important community-based projects and activities to continue. Drawing visitors to Oregon City is more important than ever before,” said Mayor Alice Norris.

The OCCIT, created in 1982, distributed funds accrued from the Oregon City Transient Room Tax, or 4 percent of the rent charged to guests at lodging properties within the city. The room tax is then distributed through the OCCIT annually. This year the OCCIT, a committee of nine members, appointed by and including the Mayor and City Commissioners, approved grant requests in the amount of $83,187.00.

The grants will be used to promote tourism by attracting people to Oregon City. Tourists and locals can enjoy music around the town, attend the Teddy Bear Parade, visit the Farmer’s Market, learn about Oregon City and McLoughlin neighborhood history, ride around town in the trolley, enjoy music and shopping at the 14th annual Antique Fair, see hanging baskets around town and visit the Rose Farm.

The OCCIT grant awards for 2009-10:

$ 9,000 - Oregon City Chamber of Commerce to support the annual Antique Fair held in August.

$10,000 - Oregon City Code Enforcement Department to help fund Trolley operations for the summer.

$20,000 -  Downtown Business Coalition for a summer concert series at the Liberty Plaza.

$10,790 - Main Street Oregon City for “First Steps” planning for historic walking tours downtown.

$ 700 -  McLoughlin Memorial Association to support summer operations at the Rose Farm historical property.

$ 5,216 -  McLoughlin Neighborhood Association to purchase flower baskets for main streets throughout the McLoughlin neighborhood.

$ 1,015 - McLoughlin Neighborhood Association will redesign the sign about McLoughlin neighborhood history at the top of Singer Hill.

$ 8,000 - Clackamas County Friends of Extension/Oregon City Farmer’s Market for marketing, advertising and entertainment for the 2009 Farmer’s Market.

$12,250 - Oregon City Parks and Recreation for the 2009 Concerts in the Park series.

$ 5,216 - Oregon City Public Works will purchase flower baskets for Molalla Avenue and Beavercreek Road.

$ 1,000 - Teddy Bear Parade Committee for advertising, insurance and other expenses for the parade held on May 9, 2009.

For more information, contact Michele Beneville at 503-496-1542 or mbbeneville@ci.oregon-city.or.us.