Ways and Means Committee Hearing Provides Opportunity for Central Oregonians to Testify On Campus Expansion

The Oregon State Legislature’s Ways and Means Committee will visit Bend on Friday, April 19, to hear citizens’ comments about the state budget.  Comments are welcome on a variety of budget issues, including the proposed capital request for $16 million towards facilities for the expansion of Oregon State University – Cascades.

Officials at OSU-Cascades are planning for 3,000-5,000 students by 2025 and for the first freshman class in fall 2015.  This growth will require approximately 90,000 square feet of space for classrooms, offices and student space.

Senator Richard Devlin (D – Tualatin) and Representative Peter Buckley (D – Ashland), co-chairs of the Oregon Legislature’s Joint Ways and Means Committee, announced that stops also include Ashland, Hermiston, Portland, Tillamook and Salem.

The Bend visit will take place from 4:30-6:30pm at the William Healy Armory, 875 SW Simpson Ave. Citizens interested in testifying are advised to arrive early to sign in.

Members will also accept written testimony. To view a full list of committee members with links to contact information, click here:  https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2013R1/Committees/JWM/Overview.

For more information contact Robin Maxey, Director of Communications for the Office of the Senate President at 503-986-1605 or mailto:robin.maxey@state.or.us.

About OSU-Cascades: Located in Bend, Ore., Oregon State University’s branch campus features outstanding faculty in degree programs that reflect Central Oregon’s vibrant economy and abundant natural resources. Sixteen undergraduate majors and three graduate programs include Energy Systems Engineering, Exercise and Sport Science, Hospitality Management, and Tourism and Outdoor Leadership. The branch campus plans to expand to a four-year university beginning fall 2015.