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Marion County commissioners approve OWEB grant for riparian shade study over chair’s objections
Summary
The Marion County Board of Commissioners voted 2–1 April 1 to accept a $142,888 Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board technical-assistance grant to fund a streamside evaluation and countywide riparian shade assessment through March 31, 2029; Chair Colm Willis voted no, citing concerns about possible state-mandated costs to homeowners and developers.
The Marion County Board of Commissioners on April 1 approved a state-funded grant agreement with the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) to accept $142,888 for a streamside evaluation and a countywide assessment of riparian shade conditions.
Commissioner Danielle Bethell moved to approve the incoming funds State Funds Grant Agreement for technical assistance with OWEB; Commissioner Kevin Cameron seconded. The motion carried two to one, with Bethell and Cameron voting aye and Commissioner Colm Willis voting no.
County staff said the grant will support a technical evaluation of streamside conditions and a countywide assessment of riparian shade, with work to continue through March 31, 2029. Commissioners did not adopt any local rule or mandate during the session; the item was limited to acceptance of the grant agreement and the county’s role in carrying out the evaluation.
Commissioner Willis said he was concerned about how state-funded evaluations sometimes lead to state actions or expectations that can result in additional costs to homeowners and developers. He said the grant-related discussions had been robust but that his remaining questions had not been answered to his satisfaction, and he voted against accepting the funds. No one on the record presented a formal legal obligation or mandate that would follow from the evaluation during the meeting.
The board’s acceptance of the grant authorizes county staff to proceed with the evaluation under the terms of the OWEB agreement; staff will implement the project timeline and reporting required by the grant agreement.
