Oregon Delegation Urges DHS and FEMA in Favor of BRIC Funds for GP Project
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici led a letter urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to approve waivers for and to fully fund two projects funded through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. According to a release from Senator Merkley's website, the two projects included in the letter were the Clatsop County Columbia Memorial Hospital, and the Grants Pass Water Treatment Plant Relocation. The City had been selected to receive $50 million in BRIC funding to relocate the plant outside the Special Flood Hazard Area to prevent system failure if flooded. This letter comes after City leaders returned from a trip to Washington D.C. expressing the need for the BRIC grant funding. Along with Merkley and Bonamici, Senator Ron Wyden, and members of Congress Andrea Salinas, Maxine Dexter, Val Hoyle, and Janelle Bynum signed the letter.
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2025-26 Fiscal Year Supplemental Budget Approved, Solid Waste Operations Reinstated
The Budget Committee approved the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Supplemental Budget, reinstating Solid Waste operations at 1:30 p.m. today. Commissioner Gary Richardson was voted in as Chair, with Marc Kirby being chosen as Vice Chair of the Committee. Commissioner Ron Smith was absent. The supplemental budget was then presented, with the item for consideration regarding the Solid Waste Division. The Board of County Commissioners had agreed to bring back the Solid Waste Department under Public Health. With the Supplemental Budget being approved, operations will be reinstated before the end of Fiscal Year 2026. This will be funded by a $31,000 transfer from the general fund, covering the program for until July 1st. The annual cost of the program will be about $176,000, this including personnel costs, materials, and services. A grant to help minimize the use of general funds, as discussed in the previous Commissioner workshop, will provide $155,000 each year if approved.
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Evergreen Elementary, Lorna Byrne, I.V. High, SOSA West CJ Campus at Secure Status
Evergreen Elementary, as well as Lorna Byrne Middle School, Illinois Valley High, and SOSA West Cave Junction Campus were on Secure Status following a phone threat this morning. As of the latest report on the Josephine County Sheriff's Office Facebook page at 11:50 a.m., all internal operations at Evergreen occurred as normal, with outdoor activities being restricted. The schools remained on Secure Status until the end of the school day. Deputies remained on scene at the Illinois Valley schools. Parents and/or Guardians were encouraged to contact the schools in order to make arrangements to pick up their students. The initial report at 10:21 a.m. stated Evergreen Elementary received a phone call threatening the school, leading to the response from law enforcement.
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