Washington Representatives Dan Newhouse and Marie Glusenkamp Perez on Tuesday introduced a bill to address hiring and retention issues at the Bonneville Power Administration. The Reliability to Ratepayers Act directs the BPA to develop a comprehensive compensation plan for all employees by allowing the administrator to review and update compensation plans without regard to civil service laws. Newhouse says the bill provides BPA with the flexibility to offer competitive compensation, address hiring and retention challenges, and tackle the backlog of critical projects that impact the Pacific Northwest. Glusenkamp Perez added to continue to recruit and retain people in essential public energy jobs, their hard work must be honored through appropriate compensation.
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The Dalles Council Approves First Reading Of STR Ordinance
The Dalles City Council unanimously approved the first reading of amendments to its short-term rental license ordinance, but elected not to include an amortization period, instead grandfathering in existing STR’s. The ordinance that will be voted on a second time during a December meeting also put the vicinity buffer between STR’s in residential zones at 300 feet, rather than a considered 500-foot buffer, and struck provisions for mandatory license posting that would have included the operators’ personal contact information. A moratorium on new licenses for non-owner operated STR’s will remain in effect until the new ordinance takes effect, 30 days after final adoption.
Hood River Warming Shelter Opens
The 24-bed seasonal winter warming shelter on 1733 Oak Street in Hood River is now open. It will be operated by Mid-Columbia Community Action Council, and will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and open through the winter season until March. Warming Shelter placements are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Shelter guest intakes will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday through mid-March, as availability allows. Wraparound services for each client will be engaged after initial intake paperwork is completed. For more information about available shelter beds or other emergency resources available from Mid-Columbia Community Action during severe winter weather events, visit mccac.com’s Severe Weather Resources page or call (541) 965-0990.
Klickitat County Nearing Budget Wrap-Up
The Klickitat County Commission is closing in on wrapping up a budget for 2025. Commission Chair Lori Zoller says they were waiting until the final supplemental budgets were wrapped up. A few months ago Commissioners learned of a potential $2.7 million shortfall for 2025, but Zoller says they have been able to close the gap to the point where they been able to keep use of reserves to a minimum. In the future, Zoller is optimistic about economic development opportunities in Klickitat County leading to revenue growth that would help their budget picture.
Coat Drive Underway
A number of different agencies in the Gorge have teamed up for a winter coat drive that will continue to the end of December. Washington Gorge Action Programs, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council, Columbia Gorge Education Service District, and The Next Door are seeking to gather new and like-new coats for all ages. Donations can be dropped at a number of different Gorge locations, including Washington Federal Bank, The Next Door, Columbia Gorge ESD, The Coffee Shop, and Mid-Columbia Community Action in The Dalles. In Hood River, coats will be accepted at Insitu in the Waucoma Center, The Next Door, and Washington Federal Bank. In Bingen donate at Insitu and Washington Gorge Action Programs, while in White Salmon take coats to Whitson Elementary School and Harvest Market.
Three Area EV Projects Selected For Funding
Electric vehicles, EV charging stations, transit improvements, and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure are among the 14 projects across Oregon to receive $11.3 million in funding from the second round of the federal Carbon Reduction Program, with three selected in the Mid-Columbia region. Hood River County will receive over $419,000 for two electric fleet vehicles and installation of necessary charging infrastructure to support them, and make-ready infrastructure for up to ten additional parking spaces. The City of Hood River was awarded over $240,000 for three light-duty electric fleet vehicles. And the City of Dufur was granted just over $86,000 for one electric light-duty pickup truck. The Carbon Reduction Program will distribute $82 million of federal funding over five years for transportation projects in Oregon. The Oregon Department of Transportation’s Climate Office administers the program, working with a consultation group of local transportation organizations and advocates to develop strategies, priorities and evaluation criteria for the program. The next round of funding from the Carbon Reduction Program is expected to be in spring 2026.
Mt. Hood Christmas Tree Permits Available
Mt. Hood National Forest Christmas tree permits are now available online at recreation.gov and at a number of local vendors. Permits cost $5 per tree with a limit of five per household, while those purchased online are charged an additional $2.50 service fee per purchase. Trees can be as tall as 15 feet and must grow within 12 feet of another tree. Cutting trees is prohibited along all highways, in designated wildernesses, in the Bull Run and The Dalles Watersheds, within active timber sales, and other areas closed to public entry. Permits purchased online at Recreation.gov must be printed and displayed on the vehicle dashboard to be valid. Recreation.gov charges an additional $2.50 service fee per purchase. Fourth-grade students with an “Every Kid Outdoors” pass are eligible for one free Christmas tree. Students can get their free permit online at Recreation.gov or by bringing their pass or voucher to a district office. Local venders include Dufur Market, Tum-A-Lum Lumber in Hood River and The Dalles, and The Way Station in Tygh Valley, along with the Hood River Ranger District office in Parkdale and the Barlow Ranger District office in Dufur.
Report Finds Project Turnkey Is Working
A recent report by Portland State University researchers found Oregon’s Project Turnkey that allowed communities to buy local motels and convert them into emergency shelters is proving effective. According to the researchers, typical emergency shelters have guests share a large common sleeping area, require them to leave during the day and only stay in the shelter for 30 days or less. But Turnkey sites allow guests to stay in private rooms, gives them access to various services, and allows them to stay for longer periods of time. Mid-Columbia Community Action Executive Director Kenny LaPoint says it provides their clients dignity, and that is a big step to finding permanent solutions. LaPoint adds the ability to impact people’s hearts and change their aspirations for the future is where change occurs.
Public Meeting On Wasco County Code Compliance Ordinance Tuesday
A public meeting outlining proposed updates to Wasco County’s Code Compliance Ordinance will be held on Tuesday evening. Earlier proposals around the enforcement and abatement portion of the ordinance had caused some concern from citizens, and led to County Commissioners asking the planning department to revisit the subject. Community Development Director Kelly Howsley-Glover stresses the nuisance portion of the ordinance is a small portion of it. She notes the bulk of nuisance complaints come from more densely populated areas rather than farmland, and enforcement is complaint-driven. The meeting will be Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Planning-Public Works Conference Room on 2705 East 2nd in The Dalles, and it can be attended virtually. Go to wascocounty.org for log-in details and to review the proposed changes.
Hood River County Seeks Comment On Hazards Management Plan
Hood River County Emergency Management is taking public comment on an update of its Natural Hazards Management Plan. A number of different agencies took part in developing the plan, which outlines community risk for natural hazards and actions local agencies could take to reduce those risks before the next wildfire, winter storm, and earthquake. County Emergency Manager Charles Young told County Commissioners two new hazards were added to the plan’s priority list: extreme heat and air quality relating to smoke. He adds this report is about mitigating the impacts of these hazards, not the emergency response itself. Details of the plan are available at hoodriversheriff.com. Comments received before December 5 will be integrated into the plan.