The Oregon House of Representatives passed a bill to fund key construction projects across the state in effort to continue putting Oregonians to work, invest in education infrastructure, and encourage the state’s ongoing economic recovery.
SB 5703A passed as the Legislature began to wind down the 2014 Legislative Session. The largest authorization is for Oregon Health and Science University’s (OHSU) cancer center, to help match a private contribution to establish a world class treatment and research facility.
Proponents of the OHSU request expect the legislature’s action to help advance efforts to improve care for cancer patients and advance the fight against many types of cancer.
Additionally, House Speaker Tina Kotek (D-Portland) led the drive to include in the authorization a number of criteria to ensure the construction moves forward only after meeting certain triggers, and that the project will create family-wage jobs, contract with Oregon small businesses, and minimize environmental impacts. SB 5703 includes requirements that workers be paid prevailing wage, and that its contractors meet apprenticeship targets.
OHSU will have goals for contracting with minority and women-owned businesses, and include provisions for contracting with businesses based throughout Oregon. As part of the agreement OHSU will also begin an annual investment in statewide, community-based cancer prevention, education, and research initiatives.
“With a project of this scale, Oregonians expect the legislature to watch carefully to ensure the money is spent efficiently,” said Kotek, who serves as Co-Chair of the Joint Ways and Means Capital Construction Sub-committee. “The OHSU cancer center could take us leaps and bounds forward in the fight against cancer. Our actions will ensure it also benefits Oregon businesses, workers, and communities across the state.”
Other projects slated for authorization include urgent health and safety projects at Oregon universities and investments to support the expansion of higher education in central Oregon. Those projects include the University of Oregon, Oregon State University Cascade Campus, Southern Oregon University, Oregon Institute of Technology, Western Oregon University, and Central Oregon Community College.
“As more Oregonians require a college education, we need to help colleges and universities accommodate the growing demand,” said Kotek. “We’re making lasting investments in higher education today.”
