Press Release: June 16, 2025

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) has partnered with U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) to introduce the bipartisan Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act, codifying a formal definition of “special district” to ensure that Oregonians can access the critical local services these districts provide.

“Special districts—like the Klamath 911 Emergency Communications District and the Applegate Fire District in Oregon—provide cost-effective and efficient public services to our communities, and they deserve fair access to federal funding and resources,” said Merkley. “Our bipartisan bill levels the playing field for special districts by ensuring they are eligible to receive federal dollars for their work to support critical infrastructure and essential services, including parks, irrigation, sanitation, fire protection, ports, health care, electricity, and libraries.” 

While special districts are intended to be eligible for federal grants and other assistance, many special districts were unintentionally excluded from receiving federal aid during the pandemic due to the lack of clarity in current law. The bipartisan Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act will provide needed clarity for federal agencies administering grant funds, so they are better able to support special districts, and the communities they serve, with everything from infrastructure improvements to disaster recovery assistance and more.

Congressman Pat Fallon (R-TX-04) also introduced companion legislation in the House. The bipartisan Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act is endorsed by the Special Districts Association of Oregon (SDAO), National Association of Emergency & Fire Officials, National Special Districts Association, Oregon Fire Chiefs Association, Oregon Transit Association, Oregon Water Resources Congress, Oregon Recreation and Park Association, Oregon Library Association, Oregon Public Ports Association, Texas State Association of Fire & Emergency Districts (SAFE-D), Texas Special Districts Coalition, Texas Water Association, Trinity River Authority, North Texas Municipal Water District, Northeast Texas Municipal Water District, and Rolling Plains Groundwater Conservation District.

 "The National Special Districts Association (NSDA) applauds Senators Cornyn and Merkley for introducing the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act,” said Ann Terry, Chair of NSDA and Chief Executive Officer of the Special District Association of Colorado. “Special districts provide essential public services to millions of Americans, including fire protection and emergency services, clean water, public transit, hospital, parks and recreation, airport, natural resource conservation, and many more. The bipartisan Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act would establish a formal definition of 'special district' in federal law and ensure that special districts across the nation are eligible to receive all appropriate forms of federal financial assistance. NSDA is extremely grateful to Senators Cornyn and Merkley for their strong leadership on behalf of special districts and we look forward to working together to ensure that this critically important piece of legislation is enacted into law.”

"The Special Districts Association of Oregon (SDAO) extends our sincere gratitude to Senator Merkley for his leadership in sponsoring and supporting the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act (S. 2014)," said Frank Stratton, the Executive Director of the SDAO. "Oregon’s special districts play a vital role in delivering essential services to communities across the state, and this legislation represents a significant step toward ensuring equitable access to federal resources. Senator Merkley’s commitment to fairness and accessibility will help strengthen the ability of Oregon’s nearly 1,000 special districts to serve Oregonians effectively. We appreciate his continued advocacy and dedication to supporting local governance and our communities."

“Rural Fire Protection Districts play a crucial role in providing essential services to local communities. These districts meet specific community needs and offer services that might otherwise be difficult to provide. The Oregon Fire Chief’s Association is very thankful for the support of the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act (S.2014) as it will enhance the operational and fiscal capabilities of Rural Fire Protection Districts in Oregon,” said Deputy Chief Devon Brown, Medford Fire Department, President Oregon Fire Chiefs Association.

“The Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act (S.2014) will provide vital help for all special districts. As the fire chief of a district agency, I know firsthand how this will help. Our county government does not recognize our existence when it comes to Federal Funding that could be made available during major emergencies. For example, during COVID, Federal Funds were available to our County Government, but not to our special district fire agency. Additionally, the Tillamook Fire District did not receive any COVID funds that were made available to the City of Tillamook. The Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act will correct this unfairness to the citizens that we serve,” said Chief James Oeder, Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District, Past President Oregon Fire Chiefs Association.

"Libraries are often on the front lines of community response and recovery, yet many are excluded from critical federal support simply because they operate a special district," said Ayn Frazee, President of the Oregon Library Association. "This legislation is a vital step toward equity. We need to ensure that all local governments, including library districts, have access to the resources they need to serve their communities in times of crisis.”

“In Oregon, special park and recreation districts are vital providers of local services that foster healthy communities, protect natural resources, and ensure equitable access to outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities. These districts are often independently governed and serve diverse populations, yet they face ongoing challenges accessing federal resources due to the lack of formal recognition at the federal level. Establishing a clear federal definition of special districts is a long-overdue and necessary step to ensure that these essential public service providers are not left out of critical funding and partnership opportunities. We commend Senator Merkley for his leadership on this issue and for recognizing the unique role that special districts—particularly park and recreation districts—play in enhancing quality of life throughout Oregon and the nation,” said Amanda Parsons, Executive Director of the Oregon Recreation & Park Association.

"The role special districts in delivering essential services for communities across the county is crucial and that is especially true for Oregon's Irrigation Districts and other agricultural water suppliers, many of which were created as this type of governmental entity,” said April Snell, Executive Director of the Oregon Water Resources Association (OWRC). “Formally recognizing that special districts are eligible for federal funding opportunities available to other forms of local government will ensure our members can compete on an even playing field for financial assistance and OWRC greatly appreciates Sen. Merkley and the other sponsors of S. 2014 for introducing this bill."

"The Oregon Public Ports Association extends its deepest appreciation to Senator Jeff Merkley for his unwavering commitment to Oregon’s 23 public ports and his sponsorship of S. 2014, the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act,” said Mark Landauer, Executive Director of the Oregon Public Ports Association. "His steadfast leadership on critical issues affecting ports underscores his deep understanding of the challenges local governments face. Passage of this vital legislation will grant our members access to federal programs and assistance, empowering them to continue serving their communities effectively."

"Special districts are local public agencies created by community residents to deliver specialized services essential to the public’s health, safety, and financial stability. The Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act (S.2014) recognizes the vital role special districts like us serve and seeks to ensure special districts have proper access to federal resources, so they can continue providing the services communities depend on. We at Rogue Valley Transportation District are very thankful to Senator Merkley for introducing this legislation in the Senate," said Julie Brown, Oregon Transportation Commission Chair, and Rogue Valley Transit District General Manager.

Full text of the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act can be found by clicking here.