Oregon Governor Kotek May Veto $45 Million for Willamette Falls Trust

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek is contemplating a veto of a significant funding allocation intended for the Willamette Falls Trust, which amounts to $45 million. This decision could also extend to three other bills from the recent legislative session that concluded on June 27, 2023. Kotek has until August 8 to finalize her decision on these bills.

The funding in question is designated to support a project aimed at enhancing public access to the natural beauty of Willamette Falls, situated on the Willamette River between West Linn and Oregon City. The initiative is backed by multiple Native American tribes, including the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

Kotek’s office has indicated that the governor is committed to ensuring public funds are utilized responsibly and equitably. A spokesperson noted that Kotek is particularly interested in reviewing how previous lottery fund allocations have been implemented within city parks and nature projects. “The governor supports the opportunity of creating public access to the natural wonder that is Willamette Falls, from both sides of the falls,” the statement read. “She is exercising her due diligence to understand more fully the use of these dollars and wants to hear more from all interested parties.”

This grant to the Willamette Falls Trust, which is led by former Governor Kate Brown, has sparked controversy. The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde claim that they should retain sole control over the falls. Their involvement in the trust ended in 2022, raising questions about representation and governance regarding the falls’ access and management.

In addition to the funding for the Willamette Falls Trust, Kotek is considering vetoes on several other legislative measures. These include:

– **House Bill 3824**, which permits physical therapists to practice dry needling.
– **Senate Bill 976**, allowing individuals to verify cattle pregnancies without a valid license under specific conditions.
– **Senate Bill 1047**, which mandates that Curry County and the Water Resources Department expedite reviews of applications for land use.

While Kotek has not provided specific reasons for her potential vetoes, her office stated that her team will continue to review each bill carefully, considering all perspectives to inform her decision. Should she elect to veto any of the bills, a two-thirds majority in both legislative houses could override her decision.

The Oregon Legislature is scheduled to convene for a special session on August 29 to address urgent funding needs for basic road maintenance and local government transportation projects. As Kotek navigates these complex decisions, the outcome may have lasting implications for public access to Willamette Falls and the communities involved in its stewardship.