One of Senator Chris Telfer’s (R-Bend) top job creating bills of the legislative session received unanimous approval from the House of Representatives on Thursday. The bill now goes to Governor John Kitzhaber (D) for approval.
“With the Governor’s approval, one of the most valuable industrial lands in the state is now ready for development,” said Telfer. “I believe this will be one of the few truly job creating bills to receive approval this session, and will help get hundreds of Central Oregonians back to work. I am proud of what we were able to accomplish.”
Senate Bill 1544 exempts a 465 acre plot of land next to the Redmond airport from state regulations that would cost the city or would-be employers hundreds of millions of dollars. The land, which is within the urban growth boundary, has been zoned as open space since 1980. The city of Redmond wants to rezone back to industrial land in order to attract employers, but a statewide Transportation Planning Rule stalled the proposed change in red tape, demanding that Redmond account for the effect of its potential development on local transportation infrastructure. Senate Bill 1544 gives the city of Redmond a pass on the regulation.
“This is a classic example of government red tape and agency rule making standing in the way of job creation,” said Telfer. “Now we can move forward with developing a fantastic piece of land that can provide a home for future Oregon employers.”
Senator Telfer has been working to ease the regulatory burden that has hampered development in Redmond since 2010.
