Bill > SB714

This bill establishes a funding mechanism for flood safety infrastructure improvements along the Columbia Slough and lower Columbia River in Multnomah County. The bill authorizes the State Treasurer to issue lottery bonds in two phases: $20 million in the 2025-2027 biennium and $25 million in the 2027-2029 biennium, with proceeds to be used for upgrading aging flood safety infrastructure. The "Columbia corridor flood safety project" includes improving levees, flood walls, pumps, pump stations, pipes, drains, and conducting floodplain restoration. The Oregon Business Development Department will manage a grant program to distribute funds to the urban flood safety and water quality district, with strict requirements for project stages, budget tracking, and accountability. The bill emphasizes the project's importance by highlighting its potential to protect critical infrastructure like Portland International Airport, maintain the region's largest business and industrial district, and support federal flood safety accreditation. The legislation creates a separate Columbia Corridor Flood Safety Fund to manage the bond proceeds, with bonds to be issued no later than June 30, 2037. The bill includes provisions to ensure proper use of funds, such as requiring the district to return grant money if project stages are not substantially completed and mandating detailed budget and permitting documentation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB714