Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the County Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Jackson County approves letter to state raising concerns about grant rules tied to LWCF conversion
Summary
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a letter of comments to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department on May 26, citing concerns that proposed changes to the County Opportunity Grant rules could complicate park projects because of an unresolved Land and Water Conservation Fund conversion tied to Table Rock Park.
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners on May 26 approved a letter of comments to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department expressing concern about proposed changes to rules governing the County Opportunity Grant Program.
Steve Lambert, director of the county Roads and Parks Department, told the board the department applied in October 2025 for County Opportunity Grant funds for improvements at the Howard Prairie Resort. Lambert said the department was told the application might be affected by an outstanding Land and Water Conservation Fund conversion tied to Table Rock Park, and that the county has not identified suitable replacement property after previously deeding a small parcel along the Bear Creek Greenway to the City of Medford.
Lambert explained that the draft letter of comments (Submission No. 3) addresses three proposed changes to the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) for the grant program that the county believes could limit or complicate the county’s ability to receive grant funds while the LWCF conversion remains unresolved. County Administrator Danny Jordan provided historical context about Oregon Revised Statutes that govern conversions and discussed how other jurisdictions have handled similar situations.
Commissioner Colleen Roberts moved to approve the letter as presented; Commissioner Randy Sparacino seconded. The board voted aye: Commissioners Roberts, Sparacino, and Chair Rick Dyer. The motion passed. The board recorded that there was nothing for executive session and adjourned the work session at 9:38 a.m.
The approved letter asks the State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to consider the county’s concerns as part of the rulemaking process; the minutes do not specify a timeline for state action or for any follow-up by county staff.
