7 July 2015
Legislature calls it a session
Lawmakers in Salem wrapped up their work for the 2015 Legislative session last night. In the waning hours of the five-month long session they approved a variety of bills, including on that authorizes $1.2-billion in construction projects.
The plan would be paid for with bonds backed by the general fund and lottery revenue. It would earmark $175-million in earthquake improvements in schools and another $30-million for similar upgrades at emergency services buildings like police and fire stations. It also funds roadwork, water infrastructure and dozens of other projects.
Some lawmakers argued future legislators would be on the hook for the debt they’re incurring to fund the projects. They said the state should only fund projects they can currently afford.
But, most lawmakers agreed the construction proposal should move forward given the likelihood of a major earthquake in the future. The house passed the bill 53-5; it cleared the Senate 26-4. It heads to the governor for her signature.
In other business before the six pm adjournment they kept alive several tax credits that were due to expire, and approved a hotline for strippers to report workplace violations. In another move, they approved funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs to hire someone to help gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender service members upgrade their discharge status.
Lawmakers also voted down a two-year moratorium on hemp farming. The bill’s supporters were worried hemp would pollinate a closely related plant… marijuana. Pot farmers fear cross pollination will lower the quality and intoxicating effects of the drug. But, the moratorium failed after several lawmakers said decisions about crop regulations should be left to the Department of Agriculture.
Rhody Facelift
A stretch of Rhododendron Drive just north of 35th street is going to get a new surface later this summer. Florence City Manager Erin Reynolds says the intention is to extend the life of the pavement by adding a “chip-seal” coat.
Erin Reynolds – “That portion’s not in too bad of shape. And by adding this it just gives it a few more years of life until we figure out what we’re doing with our street funding.”
Reynolds said the project will cost just over $70-thousand.
Erin Reynolds – “That’s going to give us a little bit of extra useful life on that piece of the street. It’s from 35th to Lighthouse Way.”
The chip-seal project was one of two reviewed by the City Council last night. The other was also on Rhododendron Drive near Greentrees. It too is about a mile long, but requires reconstruction of the road base and will cost more than four times as much.
Fort Umpqua gets federal recognition
The site of a U.S. Army fort that played a role in resettling the original inhabitants of the Oregon Coast is one of Oregon’s latest entries into the National Register of Historic Places.
Fort Umpqua, on the north bank of the Umpqua River near Winchester Bay, also maintained a federal presence here in the opening days of the Civil War.
The 37-acres site is on Siuslaw National Forest land in Douglas County. At its height in 1859 it was made up of 13 buildings including four officer’s houses, a barracks, blockhouse, hospital, guard house, two laundry buildings, a bakery, barn and sutler store.
None of the buildings remain.
Fort Umpqua was one of three established in Oregon in 1856 to implement treaties with tribes. It closed in 1862.
Volunteer grant writer sought
Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue is seeking a different sort of volunteer. Chief Jim Langborg says they would like to find someone to assist the agency in locating, securing and administering grants.
He said the volunteer grant writer would be part of the “Fire Corps volunteer program” that offers non-firefighting positions to interested community members.
Langborg is looking someone with experience in federal, state and private grant funding. Applications for the position are available at Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue.
