Legislators hear funding requests; Clear Lake project would support 6,600 new jobs

Presenter: Local officials got the chance Friday to tell legislators why they should get a share of $500 million available for capital construction projects.

The Coalition of Recreation, Arts, and Athletics (CoRAA) said about 20% of Lane County residents live in poverty. And the Eugene Chamber of Commerce said wastewater, stormwater, and utilities for Clear Lake Road will help bring 6,600 jobs to the city. On May 9, subcommittee co-chair, Sen. Fred Girod:

Sen. Fred Girod (Joint Ways and Means Committee, co-chair): Just so people understand, we have roughly $2 billion in requests. (That’s $2 billion with a B.) We have $500 million to dole out, of which a good share of that has been already allocated through various other means. So this isn’t something that the odds are going to be in your favor. But I know that you’re all here hoping for the best.

A lot of you going to be disappointed. I wish we could fund everybody’s project. I’ve yet to hear something that was bad that I didn’t think was a good project. So here’s how it’s going to work. Rep. Nosse over there, to get us started, is going to call people up.

[00:01:18] Presenter: Rep. Rob Nosse.

[00:01:20] Rep. Rob Nosse (Joint Ways and Means, Capital Construction committee): Tiffany Edwards. Or maybe it’s the mayor of Eugene, Kaarin Knudson, if you would please make your way in.

[00:01:27] Tiffany Edwards (Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce): I’m Tiffany Edwards. I’m here on behalf of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce and Onward Eugene and we’re here to express our strong support for the city of Eugene’s request for state funding for infrastructure for the Clear Lake industrial area.

[00:01:39] This project is a top priority for our region and we’re not alone in this view. Local businesses are united behind this effort. Companies like Papé, Rexius, Wildish Construction, and many others have submitted written testimony already in support because they understand what this investment means for our economy and for the future of Eugene.

[00:01:56] Just last week we were here at the Capitol with the delegation of local business leaders advocating for this very project in partnership with the city of Eugene to emphasize how critical this infrastructure is to unlocking our region’s economic potential.

[00:02:10] This $10.5 million state investment you’re considering is not just about pipes and pavement. It’s about creating the conditions for over 6,600 new jobs, spurring millions in property, income, and payroll tax revenue, and strengthening Oregon’s economic competitiveness in sectors like advanced manufacturing, bioscience, and clean tech.

[00:02:31] At a time when cities across Oregon, including Eugene, are facing serious budget deficits, this kind of economic development is essential and will yield significant return on the state’s investment. These new jobs and private investments will expand the tax base, generate sustainable revenue, and help fund the local services our residents rely on every day.

[00:02:51] As we speak, we have a green manufacturing company considering the purchase of a 200-acre parcel on this site that has potential to bring 4,000 jobs and $1 billion in private investment. The average wage is between $90,000 and $120,000.

[00:03:08] But without the basic infrastructure like wastewater, stormwater, and utilities, built out with help from the state, we were told plainly that this land is infeasible for development. We know you have many important projects to consider. This one we urge you to prioritize for the economic growth and job creation. Thank you.

[00:03:26] Presenter: Legislators also heard from the Lane County group CoRAA about parks, pickleball, ice skating, hockey, and more. Jon Stinnett:

[00:03:34] Jon Stinnett (CoRAA): My name’s Jon Stinnett. I’m with Lund Development Solutions in Eugene. I’m also a former Cottage Grove city councilor. I’m proud to be here today to represent the several dozen folks and seven organizations of the Lane County Coalition of Recreation, Arts, and Athletics. That’s CoRAA for short.

[00:03:50] We are working to complete seven projects in Lane County that offer free or low-cost access to the benefits of healthful exercise and recreation, social connections, community building, and local history and culture for all Lane County residents and visitors.

[00:04:05] Now, community support for these new or renovated facilities has been outstanding, and they’ve raised nearly $20.6 million of the $26.9 million needed for construction. These projects offer quality-of-life benefits that appeal to people regardless of age, gender, ability, or economic background. This is important in Lane County where about 20% of the population lives in poverty.

[00:04:27] These projects also offer enormous potential to spur economic development and tourism in the region. In these divisive and uncertain times, CoRAA represents the power of cooperation and working toward common goals and of communities investing in their own futures.

[00:04:42] Instead of competing against each other on their own for funding to complete these projects, CoRAA’s organizations decided to pull their efforts and request a contribution from the state to bring this set of great facilities to Lane County.

[00:04:53] It’s a win for everyone in so many ways. That’s why we respectfully come here today to request the final $6.344 million of the $26.9 million cost from the State of Oregon and the Capital Construction Committee to support these seven core projects to invest in Lane County, its people and visitors.

[00:05:10] Thank you again for the opportunity to speak here today.

[00:05:13] Presenter: Legislators heard requests from many other cities too. Here are just their introductions:

[00:05:19] Craig Berdie (Yachats, mayor): I’m Craig Berdie, mayor of the city of Yachats. City of Yachats is requesting two and a half million dollars to initiate the replacement of the city’s current one million gallon water reservoir, which is deemed seismically unsafe.

[00:05:31] S. James Johnson (Elgin, mayor): I’m Mayor S. James Johnson with the City of Elgin. We’re looking to seek 60,000 as matching funds for a new street sweeper. This vehicle will be mandatory to keep our streets clean and prevent clogging and damage to the storm sewer.

[00:05:45] Keith Wilson (Portland, mayor): My name is Keith Wilson and I’m the mayor of the city of Portland. I’m here today to ask for $22 million in lottery bond capacity to provide the final dollars to get cranes in the sky building 450 units of affordable and middle income housing.

[00:06:00] Frank Bubenik (Tualatin, mayor): My name is Frank Bubenik. I am the mayor of the fantastic city of Tualatin. We’re seeking funds for two projects, the Tualatin Veterans Plaza shade structure and the retrofit of our existing water reservoirs to include seismic valves.

[00:06:13] Kathleen Walker (Sandy, mayor): Okay. I’m Kathleen Walker, mayor of the city of Sandy. Today we’re asking for $14 million so we can continue to grow and provide affordable housing.

[00:06:21] Brian Asher (Aurora, mayor): My name is Brian Asher, I’m the mayor of Aurora. I’m here to testify in support of our request for $2.6 million that will allow us to get our water project across the finish line.

[00:06:30] Cale George (Sheridan, mayor): My name is Cale George and I’m the mayor of Sheridan. I’m seeking to secure $2 million for the Sheridan road construction project.

[00:06:37] Beach Pace (Hillsboro, mayor): My name is Beach Pace. I’m the mayor of Hillsboro. Thank you for this opportunity today to testify in support of Hillsboro $5 million request to fund a new fire station in South Hillsboro.

[00:06:48] Jeff Dalin (Cornelius, mayor): My name is Jeff Dalin. I’m the mayor of Cornelius. We’re here today to ask for your support for what will be our community’s first recreational and community center. We plan to acquire an existing building, the old Cornelius Elementary Gym and breathe new life into this incredible building.

[00:07:04] Brian Quigley (Stayton, mayor): My name is Brian Quigley. I currently serve as the mayor of Stayton, and I am joined by the mayor of Sublimity Michael Taylor. , We are here today to respectfully request $4.6 million in our wastewater upgrade.

[00:07:16] Sherrie Rininger (John Day, mayor): My name is Sherrie Rininger and I am the mayor of John Day. I’m here to urge your support for a $10 million investment in a critical $30 million+ regional wastewater treatment plant. It directly serves two cities. John Day and Canyon City and indirectly benefits the cities of Dayville and Seneca, supporting a broader regional population.

[00:07:41] Jason Freilinger (Silverton, mayor): I’m Jason Freilinger, mayor of Silverton. Since 2013, the city of Silverton has been planning to replace its water treatment plant. We have secured $8 million and are asking the legislature for $12 million to help us bridge the gap to make this needed project possible.

[00:07:56] Henry Balensifer (Warrenton, mayor): My name is Henry Balensifer. I’m the mayor of Warrenton. , We have an $8 million capital request for a wastewater treatment plant.

[00:08:02] Presenter: Oregon jurisdictions put in their funding requests. Lane County’s Coalition of Recreation, Arts, and Athletics (CoRAA) asks for $6.3 million, while Eugene hopes for $10.5 million to prepare Clear Lake Road for industry.

Image: Composite photo of Jon Stinnett (CoRAA) and Tiffany Edwards (Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce) courtesy subcommittee video provided by Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS).