HB 3654
Sets maximum matching fund requirements for state grants to small incorporated cities for capital construction and municipal infrastructure.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
93%
Oppose
7%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes maximum matching fund requirements for state grants provided to small Oregon cities for capital construction and municipal infrastructure projects. The amount a city is required to match depends on its population, with smaller cities facing lower percentage requirements than larger ones. The grants can be used for all phases of a project, including engineering and planning.
Key provisions
- Cities with populations under 5,000 may need to match up to 3% of grants under $100,000 or 5% of grants over $100,000.
- Cities with populations between 5,000 and 7,500 may need to match up to 7% of grant amounts.
- Cities with populations between 7,500 and 10,000 may need to match up to 9% of grant amounts.
- Cities with populations between 10,000 and 20,000 may need to match up to 12% of grant amounts.
- Grant funds can be used for all phases of a project, not just construction.
- The matching fund requirements are based on the most recent federal census population data.
Who is affected
- Small incorporated cities in Oregon
- State government
- Municipal infrastructure projects
- Local governments
- Cities with populations under 20,000
Notable changes
- Establishes specific matching fund percentages based on city population.
- Allows grant funds to cover all project phases, including planning and engineering.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
James Manning Jr.
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
The supporters of House Bill 3654 believe that the bill would provide critical financial relief to small rural cities in Oregon, addressing aging infrastructure and unfunded mandates. They argue that the current matching fund requirements create an inequity in accessing resources, with larger cities having a significant advantage. By capping local matching fund requirements for state capital construction and infrastructure grants based on population, the bill would help level the playing field among Oregon cities, enabling smaller municipalities to access necessary funds for projects such as engineering and planning services. Additionally, supporters believe that this change would allow small cities to plan and deliver infrastructure that serves residents and supports future growth, ultimately benefiting their communities.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of HB 3654 argue that the bill's allocation of grant monies to small towns is misguided, as it fails to consider individual town histories and circumstances. Specifically, they point to the City of Yamhill, where a resident was mistreated during a severe water shortage, and claim that this precedent sets a troubling tone for future allocations. By refusing to allocate funds to the City of Yamhill, opponents argue that the bill prioritizes politics over practical needs, potentially leaving vulnerable communities without necessary infrastructure upgrades. This approach is seen as inconsistent with the spirit of community-based grant programs, which should prioritize local needs and histories.