Gorge Commission readies March legislative presentation; submits 3% cut amid possible 6% requirement

The Columbia River Gorge Commission on Feb. 11 reported that staff submitted a 3% budget reduction after Washington’s incoming cuts directive and that Oregon will be asked to match reductions across agencies.

Executive Director Christina Wolinkowski said the commission has a March 13 slot before the Oregon Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources and asked partners to attend that hearing. “We have an hour and a half to make our presentation,” Wolinkowski said, and noted that this year Friends of the Gorge are assisting with legislative appointments in Olympia.

Connie, a staff member who worked on the reductions with Wolinkowski, told commissioners, “We chose to submit a 3% reduction instead of a 6% reduction. The reduction was due last Thursday… We haven't heard any pushback on that 3%, but we made a good case that our 3% does double.” Connie said staff prepared a 6% scenario and will submit it if required.

Staff warned commissioners the cuts are significant for a small agency that has limited program areas to trim; the commission currently has one vacant half-time natural resource planner position that could be considered in vacancy management. Wolinkowski and staff said they will continue outreach to legislators in both Oregon and Washington and will report back on the hearing outcomes.

Commissioner Brandon Bizzle asked whether the commission posts employee salary data; staff responded that salary postings come from state public records systems and are not posted by the commission itself.

Why this matters: the agency’s budget reductions and legislative outreach may affect staffing and program capacity in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, which spans Oregon and Washington.