Oregon lawmakers OK bill to assist La Pine

Legislation to help the city of La Pine and Deschutes County with economic development cleared the Oregon Senate Monday on a 29-0 vote.

It passed the Oregon House on a unanimous vote March 29, and is on its way to Gov. Kitzhaber’s desk for his signature.

HB 3130 will allow the county to use money from the sale of county-owned industrial land to make safety improvements to Highway 97 in La Pine.

Currently, money from such sales cannot be used for offsite improvements. However, without the improvements, new business development in the La Pine will not be approved.

“I am pleased to see this important piece of legislation make it through the process successfully with clear bipartisan support,” said Rep. Mike McLane (R – Powell Butte). “This bill will benefit the citizens of La Pine and Deschutes County, and make it easier to create jobs in the area during these difficult economic times.”

McLane co-chief sponsored the legislation with state Rep. Gene Whisnant (R – Sunriver).

“Because of this bill, the public will benefit from safer roads, and businesses will be allowed to develop in La Pine,” said Whisnant, who represented La Pine until redistricting in 2011. “I thank my colleagues in both the House and Senate for helping to set the stage for job creation and infrastructure improvements in Central Oregon.”