The 2015 Legislative Session recently adjourned and State Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) is touting a number of projects benefitting Eastern Oregon, including the allocation of $32 million for water projects in the Columbia Basin.
Here’s a look at some of the key projects that came out of the latest Legislative session:
Umatilla Basin Project
Smith worked closely with the House/Senate leadership and the governor to help designate $32 million of funding for water projects. This funding will be allocated towards $21 million of loans and $11 million of grants. Smith said local irrigators, among others, feel optimistic that this funding will help complete planned water projects in the Columbia Basin.
“This will allow local irrigators to access existing unused water on the Columbia River,” Smith said.
$1.5 Million for Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center
Smith secured $1.5 million of capital construction funds for the continued development of the Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center (EOTEC). This is in addition to $6 million Rep. Smith was able to obtain during previous legislative sessions. EOTEC will include a new rodeo facility, event center, 4-H center, and serve as the Umatilla County Fairgrounds beginning in 2016.
$1.6 Million for Early Childhood Learning Center at the Port of Morrow
Voters of Morrow and Umatilla Counties recently passed a bond levy for Blue Mountain Community College allocating $2.5 million to the creation of a workforce training center at the Port of Morrow. Smith secured an additional $1.6 million to add an early childhood learning center at the workforce training facility. As employees develop skills, which will prepare them for success, their children receive education that will prepare them to have academic success in the classroom.
Trophy Trout Pilot Program at the Willow Creek Reservoir
Smith and ODFW came together during the legislative session to discuss the formation of a Trophy Trout Pilot Program that would select a handful of reservoirs to stock with trophy size trout. ODFW will run ads in their Fishing & Hunting magazine throughout the state encouraging Oregonians to travel to select Eastern Oregon reservoirs. The goal is to help create economic development opportunities for regions that rely heavily on hunting and fishing tourism.
Wrestling Returns to Eastern Oregon University
Wrestling will soon be returning to Eastern Oregon. During the Legislative session, Smith obtained $300,000 of funding for this project. “Eastern Oregon is home to many successful wrestling programs,” said Smith. “Restoring a college wrestling program at Eastern Oregon University will give youth the opportunity to remain in Eastern Oregon.”
Small Scale Resort Development in Columbia Basin
Smith helped move HB 3431-B through both the Capital Construction Subcommittee and Joint Ways and Means Committee. HB 3431-B allows three additional years for the owner of the Metolius resort site to apply to the county for approval of small-scale recreation community, and extends the opportunity for a small-scale recreation community to Clatsop, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, and Wheeler Counties
