HB 3135
Appropriates moneys to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to award grants to soil and water conservation districts that operate in certain counties.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
92%
Oppose
8%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill directs the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to provide grants to soil and water conservation districts operating in specific counties, including Crook, Jefferson, Klamath, Deschutes, Harney, and Lake. The grants are intended to support water conservation projects, particularly related to western juniper treatment, and coordinate efforts between local governments. An emergency declaration means the bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
Key provisions
- The Oregon Department of Administrative Services will award grants to qualifying soil and water conservation districts.
- Eligible counties include Crook, Jefferson, Klamath, Deschutes, Harney, and Lake.
- Districts must coordinate efforts for funding western juniper treatment and other water conservation projects.
- Prevailing wage rates do not apply to grant-funded activities unless the grant exceeds $750,000.
- The Department of Administrative Services is appropriated $15,000,000 for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025.
Who is affected
- Soil and Water Conservation Districts
- Counties (Crook, Jefferson, Klamath, Deschutes, Harney, Lake)
- Cities
- Oregon Department of Administrative Services
- Western Juniper Growers/Landowners
Notable changes
- The bill establishes specific counties eligible for grant funding.
- It mandates coordination among local governments for water conservation funding.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Vikki Breese-Iverson
Cosponsors
E. Werner Reschke
Emerson Levy
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of the proposed initiative to cut western junipers agree that the invasive species poses significant threats to Oregon's environment, particularly in Central, Southern, and Eastern Oregon. They cite the need for funding to remediate juniper encroachment, which benefits groundwater availability, biodiversity, fire risk reduction, and soil health. The Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Central and Eastern Oregon, with over a decade of experience in juniper removal, emphasize the importance of protecting sage grouse habitat, wildfire protection, and water conservation. Additionally, supporters highlight the success of previous funding sources and pilot programs, such as the successful treatment of Juniper properties in Deschutes County and the removal of invasive juniper from over 13,000 acres of land, demonstrating the need for continued support to address this environmental issue.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
ing opposition to HB 3135 argue that the bill lacks critical detail regarding the disposal of Western Junipers and water conservation projects. They contend that insufficient explanations are provided for these aspects, raising concerns about the effectiveness and sustainability of the proposed measures. Furthermore, testifiers question the allocation of $15,000,000 in general fund, specifically highlighting doubts about its suitability for furniture construction and the need for more transparent information regarding its intended use.