Eugene details state shelter legislation and Lane County stabilization center funding needs

City staff told the Intergovernmental Relations Committee that the governor’s shelter framework bill, carried as House Bill 3644, is moving through the Legislature with a fiscal attachment and that Eugene provided testimony and a shelter video to the House committee.

Ethan, IGR staff, reported the bill originally came from a legislative concept and now includes a fiscal note of $217,900,000. He said Mayor Knudson provided virtual testimony the week of the hearings and the city submitted written testimony and a shelter video describing local shelter-provider work.

Separately, staff described Lane County’s stabilization center proposal. Ethan said the project is a roughly $30,000,000 capital project; the county currently has $15,500,000 on hand, reported as $7,500,000 in general funds, $3,000,000 in federal funds and $5,000,000 in state lottery bonds. Lane County is requesting reauthorization of $7,500,000 in state general funds plus reappropriation of another $7,500,000 that had been allocated as the last money for a multi-use facility — a combined reauthorization request of $15,000,000. Ethan summarized that, if the project is $30,000,000, approximately two-thirds of the cost would be covered by state sources if the requested amounts are approved.

Mayor Knudson told the committee he appreciated the opportunity to testify and to showcase local shelter work to the Legislature. Committee members asked clarifying questions about the percentage of project funding sought from the state; staff confirmed the $30,000,000 project and the county’s current funding figures.