It also will discuss work force to process Measure 37 claims
June 21, 2006
Fishing crews sidelined by the closing of Oregon's coastal salmon season could go to work on habitat projects under a proposal before the Legislative Emergency Board this week.
The Emergency Board also will consider authorizing more employees to process land-use-compensation claims associated with Measure 37, as well as several other proposals.
The so-called "E-Board," made up of 17 lawmakers from the House and Senate, makes budget and other decisions when Oregon's full Legislature is not in session. E-Board subcommittees will make preliminary decisions Thursday, to be ratified Friday when the full panel meets.
So far, none of the several dozen reports, projects and other business items before the E-Board appears particularly controversial, said Chuck Deister, a spokesman for House Speaker Karen Minnis, R-Wood Village. The Legislative Fiscal Office, which advises lawmakers, recommended that one item be delayed for three months but did not suggest that any proposal be rejected.
The fisheries proposal arose in part from an executive order by Gov. Ted Kulongoski. The governor asked state agencies to explore options to aid the coastal economy, which is hard-hit by the federal closing of commercial salmon fishing. The closing was prompted by a decline in Klamath River Basin chinook.
The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board has agreed to spent $2.2 million of state lottery proceeds on five projects that could put idled anglers to work. Rising state lottery profits automatically boosted money available for salmon habitat projects under terms of voter-approved Measure 66.
The projects include ocean salmon research, restoration projects, inventory and assessment of stocks, recovery planning outreach and technical assistance.
The Legislative Fiscal Office endorsed the proposal but recommended that about half the money be withheld until there is ample interest by anglers in doing the work.
The Legislative Fiscal Office recommended that the E-Board delay until September a request for $3 million in emergency money for early-intervention services for children needing special education.
That's because only $17 million remains in the all-purpose emergency fund, which is designed to tide the state over until January, when the full Legislature meets.
Legislative fiscal advisers suggested that money might be needed for summer firefighting expenses and other emergencies. By September, the board will have a better handle on the amount needed in the emergency fund.
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