TESTIMONY OF THE HONORABLE JOHN KITZHABER BEFORE THE WAYS AND MEANS TRANSPORTATION AND ECONOMIC SUBCOMMITTEE
APRIL 20, 2001

Mr. Chair, members of the subcommittee, I am John Kitzhaber, Governor, and I am here today to support the proposed Lottery bonding for the Columbia River Channel Deepening Project. I support this project because of the important economic contribution it can make to the state’s economy as long as the project can be implemented in a way that avoids or mitigates adverse environmental impacts.

Oregon is a trade dependent state and we must have direct access to world markets in order to be competitive in today’s global marketplace. This project will help retain our shipping links to the world.

The funding in my recommended budget is in the form of lottery backed bonds because this project is important for the entire state and helps to bridge rural and urban Oregon. In rural areas, this project will keep rates competitive by keeping transportation costs down. It will help sustain natural resource based industries such as grain, processed foods, and wood products. In urban Oregon, this project is important for the jobs it will provide (7,000 direct jobs) and to maintain competitive rates.

This State has a proud tradition of environmental protection. Channel deepening cannot and should not move forward unless it meets stringent standards under state and federal law to protect species, water quality and coastal zone resources. I believe this project can be accomplished consistent with state and federal environmental laws. I am committed to helping resolve the remaining issues to allow the project to move forward. They include state water quality certification, federal ESA consultation and coastal zone management consistency.

A new process is under way that should lead to a new biological opinion from National Marine Fisheries Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service. DEQ is working with the Corps and others on project requirements to meet water quality standards.

DLCD is working with the corps on meeting the coastal zone management program requirements. My office will continue to work with all the parties to resolve these outstanding issues.

I urge you to support the $ 25.1 million in lottery backed bonds for this important project. Funding for the project will not be released until all the necessary authorizations and agreements are in place and the State of Washington has provided their cost share match.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify today and I’d be glad to answer any questions the committee may have.