HB 3314
Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services for distribution to the Human Access Project for harmful algal bloom mitigation.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
96%
Oppose
4%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill directs the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to provide funds to Oregon State University. These funds will be used in partnership with the Human Access Project to mitigate harmful algal blooms in the Ross Island lagoon. The money will cover expenses such as fish surveys, USGS monitoring, engineering, permitting, and project management.
Key provisions
- Allocates $315,000 to Oregon State University for fish survey expenses.
- Allocates $485,000 to Oregon State University for USGS monitoring expenses.
- Allocates $950,000 to Oregon State University for engineering and permitting expenses.
- Allocates $40,000 to Oregon State University for project management expenses.
- Allocates $30,000 to the Human Access Project for project management expenses.
- Allocates $197,000 for contingency expenses.
- Funds are to be distributed from the General Fund.
- The Act takes effect 91 days after the adjournment sine die of the 2025 legislative session.
Who is affected
- Oregon State University
- Higher Education Coordinating Commission
- Human Access Project
- Ross Island lagoon ecosystem
Notable changes
- The bill specifically allocates funds for mitigation efforts in the Ross Island lagoon.
- It establishes a partnership between Oregon State University and the Human Access Project for these efforts.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of funding for mitigation efforts at Ross Island Lagoon emphasize the urgent need to address toxic cyanobacteria blooms that threaten human health, wildlife populations, and local businesses. The proposed funding, primarily through House Bill 3314, aims to support research on harmful algal bloom mitigation and restore critical habitat in the lower Willamette River. Advocates highlight concerns about toxin release, water quality degradation, and ecological harm, as well as potential social and economic benefits from removing algal blooms, including improved recreational use of the river and enhanced community safety. Organizations such as the Human Access Project, Oregon State University, and local tribes emphasize the importance of comprehensive ecological studies and partnerships to address this pressing issue and protect Oregon's water resources and public health.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Several ed concerns about the feasibility of the Human Access Project, citing uncertainty over Oregon State University's (OSU) qualifications and expertise to undertake such a complex endeavor. Some argued that OSU lacks sufficient experience in handling large-scale projects with high-stakes research, which could compromise the project's safety and efficacy. Additionally, testifiers questioned whether OSU possesses the necessary licenses and certifications to conduct research on humans, raising concerns about regulatory compliance and potential risks to participants.