[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6371633,"mediaKeyId","2149445-4f91ac7a0e884159f15a3f0639619cbd","parentId",2149445,"title","Vietnam War memorial ready to open after phase one; phase two stalled by exhibit disagreement with parks agency","audioSeconds",403,"startMs",150000,"endMs",553000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2149445-4f91ac7a0e884159f15a3f0639619cbd&start=150&end=553","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2149445-4f91ac7a0e884159f15a3f0639619cbd/thumbnail_150000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6371633/Oregon/Vietnam-War-memorial-ready-to-open-after-phase-one-phase-two-stalled-by-exhibit-disagreement-with-parks-agency","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6371633-965509493d2b5d976a7f6bfc93af3464/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162075&Signature=C~blc5RtpinfhxQ657gWfxaTKy1Tw3oqkSpxD3GexXrr~8uUe~8RaHd3CrunYrnagt3H34wUwrGjJRI5JG-5QdVRtazD9N~qb3edTn4PFfssIrb7mwX5Ry67LONPy87~1Qi5CgYgAJAuPu3PAZ7wmD-EhHlO3sE9PxsEIyKRb4OWp5zKR0ntpLDh6HeH8xNzIB2l8vdqSywqnLSYgZ8r9Gtlak6CYAAM9t2QdJ1ndrKjQMrXhp38yPZQ-GUEC5rYEatWKo0~RNEMqoogIU0fMFoAoYVUfQXAFNaD7MgeqnD2ZdKZdhBk9WnSN1YezXHaseywzeoDqiBeQOCWyXgw7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oregon State Legislature","date","2025-01-23T00:00:00Z","article","Phase one of a Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol grounds was dedicated and is open to the public, but a second \"exhibit\" phase is stalled by disagreement with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and gaps in funding, the memorial fund told the Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs.

\"Phase 1 of the memorial was dedicated on November 22nd. It's now open to the public,\" Steve Bates, president of the Vietnam War Memorial Fund, told the committee during an informational update. Bates said the nonprofit has paid all phase one costs to date and has three display panels on order; he expects installation before March 31.

The fund reported a phase-one budget of $3,699,929 and said it finished about $32,100 under budget. Bates said funding for phase one split roughly 51.2% private and 48.8% state funds — slightly exceeding the fund's goal of a 50/50 split.

Bates said phase two, described as the exhibit phase and estimated at $3,181,500, is on hold because the memorial fund and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) disagree about who will control exhibit content and who will pay for development. \"OPRD then proposed taking over the project, providing some of the expensive content development, but not allowing the Vietnam War Memorial Fund to have any editorial input,\" Bates said. He added, \"As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we must have control over the product on which our donated dollars are spent. Our board of directors could go to jail if we're not careful about how we proceed.\"

Bates said he plans to ask the capital construction subcommittee this legislative session for $1 million in state capital funding to help leverage the rest of the money. He told the committee Representative Kevin Mannix said he would consider sponsoring the request. Bates said the memorial fund intends to raise the remaining roughly $2.18 million if a legislative appropriation can be secured.

Committee members voiced support and suggested outreach to veteran service organizations. Chair Manning and other senators urged the fund to pursue additional private donors and national veterans groups. Bates said the fund has submitted an exhibit plan under a memorandum of understanding with OPRD; OPRD rejected the plan in spring 2024 and later proposed developing content without the nonprofit's editorial control.

Bates told the committee that the fund is negotiating a contract with a landscape architect to update phase-two construction documents but that current fund balances are insufficient to sign the contract. He closed by asking legislators and community groups to support the capital request and to help the nonprofit reach its fundraising goal.

If no agreement with OPRD is reached and the requested appropriation is not secured, Bates said there are no firm dates for phase-two construction or completion.

Questions and follow-up from the committee focused on potential donor outreach and next steps for securing legislative sponsorship. Bates said he would continue discussions with veterans organizations and legislators and return with updates to the committee when available.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Committee On Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs 01/23/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Phase one of a Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol grounds was dedicated and is open to the public, but a second \"exhibit\" phase is stalled by disagreement with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and gaps in funding, the memorial fund told the Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs.","taxTitle","Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Oregon","taxId",17995,"location","Oregon","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6371620,"Oregon State Police outlines statewide disaster-response capabilities, dispatch redundancy and new agency operations center",643,3500000,4143000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2149445-4f91ac7a0e884159f15a3f0639619cbd&start=3500&end=4143","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2149445-4f91ac7a0e884159f15a3f0639619cbd/thumbnail_3500000.jpg","/articles/6371620/Oregon/Oregon-State-Police-outlines-statewide-disaster-response-capabilities-dispatch-redundancy-and-new-agency-operations-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6371620-0614f748349f9d609fc971d360fa9f07/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162075&Signature=Ropgs6zLGd4s3z4uRD~LsEe9ufaYnVteOKzwkdAIQR8eAHCxVOpsb1qSOZ9nnwr2wOVtKREf8yg46-Gab2nManAu7hWyROBPP4CrMpZACAsGDt0ZDtC8vTGpoyqbBIAYbfiFPcLZJcdg9rwQGD6OxlCK8glsZffLodGyOiP8ir2rcHVAu0t7JtekJXjZXNHnmJgt3--GNIuVCjJ2~DIWabJXCrW8yli4sOHYokHYtg6YU2KWtBDL~ythY~dR06xIZRo5yXK3S19LUXUdA4sLZKFBSSBQ30DqBYPFo97cftQ6TCTTjX7RKatMauhmbSv6I~FyVZIVYcuGdvIjXDvKMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oregon State Police briefed the Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs on its statewide emergency-response capabilities, redundancy in communications, and recent activations for large-scale incidents.

\"The mission of the Oregon State Police (OSP) is to serve all people with priority of safeguarding life, property, and natural resources,\" Superintendent Casey Cotting told the committee. Cotting outlined OSP's role as the law enforcement representative in the state's emergency management framework (Emergency Support Function 13), its participation in interoperability and fusion-center bodies, and its statewide force structure.

OSP said its department comprises 766 sworn positions and 627 professional staff for a total of 1,393 authorized positions. The agency described 35 patrol offices, specialized units (SWAT, canine, collision reconstruction, mobile response, a state overdose response team pilot), and prepositioned equipment including aircraft, watercraft, armored vehicles and off-road vehicles.

Cotting described communications redundancy: two regional dispatch centers (Salem and Central Point) that operate 24/7 and are fully redundant, an Agency Operations Center (AOC) at general headquarters that houses backup dispatch consoles and radio base stations, auxiliary ham-style radio capability, Starlink internet and generator backup, and satellite phones for command staff in remote areas.

The agency said the AOC and regional dispatch centers were activated during a December tsunami-warning event; commanders monitored live ocean feeds and coordinated resources and evacuations as warnings evolved. Cotting said the AOC became fully operational within months of being stood up and allowed agency command to share real-time information and allocate resources statewide.

OSP also noted that it houses the state medical examiner's office and can deploy a mobile morgue and refrigerated trailers in the event of mass-casualty incidents. Cotting described OSP's emergency operations plan — an all-hazards approach of approximately 417 pages as of 2024 — and a continuity-of-operations plan to preserve essential functions during prolonged incidents.

Committee members asked about go-bag expectations for sworn members (Cotting said most troopers garage their issued vehicles at home and are prepared to respond immediately with multi-day equipment) and interoperability updates. Cotting said OSP is a partner in the statewide radio project and that broader interoperability activities are led by state agencies and OEM, noting geographic and terrain challenges in Oregon's frontier areas.

The committee thanked Cotting and Deputy Superintendent Josh Brooks for the briefing and expressed support for OSP's communications and operational improvements.

","The Oregon State Police told lawmakers it maintains redundant dispatch centers, an agency operations center with backup communications, specialized response teams and equipment, and can activate state-level command functions rapidly during large incidents, citing a December tsunami warning and extensive wildfire support as recent examples.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6371623,"Former special-operations rescue leader pitches gridded school maps to speed emergency response",869,2355000,3224000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2149445-4f91ac7a0e884159f15a3f0639619cbd&start=2355&end=3224","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2149445-4f91ac7a0e884159f15a3f0639619cbd/thumbnail_2355000.jpg","/articles/6371623/Oregon/Former-special-operations-rescue-leader-pitches-gridded-school-maps-to-speed-emergency-response","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6371623-f67447d688daadad91b6c782e780b4b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162075&Signature=iGtYjqIQnCgZ94Ja3QVPu9vnrd7zjydr64ezd~UT-yac2z88BSURyjf6v6Oxw-IvN7urqqdR8tjOPf0~3GmtVt~Wd-ZDlRmMUWwKDPA8Jwt9PPTGtwRCzmc8wWJFifpSiXXN07ZIfLDueIhy8NRWGK7hcKYIZUovfOGSblbGRr8wNtQvbzgssc6UM-Gia1R4OXMpJhGIAdUYk4vLwYygKRNJtJ2Vt-3aVpzmx50y69Nyx2zUrQw6VmocR9EGqxU6hhFAFOkGj~Df9~CC-75Ux-kUyPIHlOWNWnlxwgauFwyN~vnL8AIwrSRNgY0nr0hXfSWIPGUanHzPf~jGYWIsCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A mapping technique developed from military gridded-reference graphics was presented to the Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs as a way to give first responders a common operating picture when responding to school emergencies.

\"We have created a framework for what this can look like,\" Josh Longnecker, regional director for Critical Response Group, told the committee. Longnecker said the technique overlays an alphanumeric grid on up-to-date aerial imagery, reorients floor plans to true north, walks every hallway and classroom to update schematics and labels, and adds tactical details such as AEDs, gas shutoffs and preferred evacuation areas.

Longnecker said his organization has mapped more than 20,000 schools nationwide and has implemented pilot programs in multiple states. He described three core problems with existing blueprints: inconsistent orientation (plan north vs. true north), outdated or inaccurate floor plans, and lack of tactical labeling for first responders. To address those issues, CRG produces two products for each site: a macro (exterior/staging) map and an interior, floor-by-floor collaborative response graphic.

On data governance and access, Longnecker emphasized that the mapping data is owned by the school in perpetuity and that the maps are delivered in file formats compatible with local computer-aided dispatch (CAD) platforms and mobile applications used by first responders. \"I wanna be upfront that this is not a vendor bill,\" he said, adding that CRG does not lock data behind a proprietary subscription: the vendor places the maps in the formats local and state agencies already use.

Committee members asked about maintenance and access: Longnecker said CRG performs quarterly check-ins and will re-walk a site after renovations; during the first year the vendor will make any necessary changes. Schools cannot directly edit the authoritative map files, Longnecker said, because the program must preserve a single common operating picture for all responding agencies; instead, schools request updates through the vendor. He also said first responders do not pay a subscription to access the map data when it is integrated into their existing dispatch or mobile systems.

Longnecker said he is working with Chemeketa Community College's director of security on a local implementation and that the CRG process can also be applied to higher-education campuses, community colleges and K–12 schools.

The committee thanked Longnecker for the presentation and expressed support for mapping that could improve response times and coordination during critical incidents. Several senators offered to facilitate follow-up briefings with higher-education institutions and local public-safety partners.

","A military-derived mapping method that overlays a north-oriented grid on aerial imagery and updated floor plans was presented to lawmakers as a way to give responding public-safety agencies a single, usable map of schools during emergencies.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6371629,"Oregon National Guard briefs lawmakers on 2024 deployments, wildfire response and recruiting priorities",1407,642000,2049000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2149445-4f91ac7a0e884159f15a3f0639619cbd&start=642&end=2049","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2149445-4f91ac7a0e884159f15a3f0639619cbd/thumbnail_642000.jpg","/articles/6371629/Oregon/Oregon-National-Guard-briefs-lawmakers-on-2024-deployments-wildfire-response-and-recruiting-priorities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6371629-476153cb30d6e1caa49e3221a8a66619/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162075&Signature=oW5wBJVphK~o89UpYQwfUMJ~t4KSLtdxvUeVtt9BVZsGBG3LboykVbHtuJUzSYi-2IDeQuSlBhk1vC36ZrQhUrClOh77Y1vBfxyl5HxIQwiKLEP3ioIq-sNFJgAUnwowu5DvF5unqjcmC9wutATwBwG0XgE-PyclpDnhC7yCvjp~iApfodt33bZtz28A9jocC55~4cUwBYRd4OBzhyMqwvBTdgKWgmcs~0SwhnqOvlFEUGXlFQpq-OBmg8k6V8HXjR5gT7xjWAw5AcH6FhYEUa1vD9EmSwo0v~Y4s0Z5hYRFok3Uiz9bIkpSv2VQNmij~gkaDNDnP2AHZfI9l8Qb8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oregon National Guard told the Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs that 2024 was a busy training and deployment year, with units deployed overseas, continued air defense missions, support for wildland-fire response, and a state budget request that focuses on recruiting and retention.

\"We appreciate any invitation to come and showcase ... the fantastic work that our service members and our civilian teammates provide to our state and our nation,\" Brigadier General Jennifer Pardy, director of the joint staff for the Oregon National Guard, told the committee. Adjutant General Alan Gronewald said the guard remains \"the service of choice for Oregonians,\" citing large training rotations, aircraft deliveries and domestic missions.

Gronewald and Pardy highlighted several operational points: soldiers from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team deployed in support of NATO-led operations in Kosovo; elements of the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery performed counter-rocket attack missions across multiple CENTCOM locations; and units prepared for additional deployments to the Horn of Africa and Egypt. The Oregon Air National Guard began receiving F-15EX aircraft and supported large multistate training exercises such as Century Luau and the USAF Weapons Instructor Course.

The guard also supported the state during the 2024 wildland-fire season. Following Governor Tina Kotek's emergency declaration on July 12, more than 200 soldiers and airmen were activated on state duty for roughly 60 days, assisting with bucket missions, medevac and hand crews, and search-and-rescue operations. The presentation described one rescue of a hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail that required helicopter hoist operations and a transfer to a hospital in Medford.

Pardy gave staffing and program details: the state component includes roughly 495 positions that support readiness centers and logistics, and the guard's community programs include the Oregon Youth Challenge (since 1994, the presentation said it has graduated 66,100 cadets) and STARBASE programs serving about 8,700 students annually. The agency presented an overall governor's budget request of $338,000,000 and said its top priorities are a reenlistment bonus, an agency-funded enlistment enhancement program, and a state-funded retention bonus to address recruiting shortfalls.

The presentation noted manpower currently deployed: about 927 service members are assigned around the world, with a forecasted deployment of roughly 225 additional individuals. Pardy and Gronewald emphasized the dual state-and-federal role of the guard and described continued planning for future training, demobilization ceremonies and aircraft transitions through 2027.

Committee members asked about recruiting outreach and female membership; the guard said recruitment remains challenging and that bonuses and enlistment programs in the budget are intended to address retention and attraction. Gronewald and Pardy said they would provide additional information on demographic breakdowns and outreach approaches if the committee requests further detail.

","Brigadier General Jennifer Pardy and Adjutant General Alan Gronewald told the Senate committee the Oregon National Guard conducted extensive federal deployments, supported statewide wildfire response in 2024, and will prioritize recruiting and retention programs in the governor's proposed budget.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6371615,"DEQ: JH Baxter cleanup advancing but Superfund listing and cost recovery remain ongoing challenges",711,4694000,5405000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2149445-4f91ac7a0e884159f15a3f0639619cbd&start=4694&end=5405","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2149445-4f91ac7a0e884159f15a3f0639619cbd/thumbnail_4694000.jpg","/articles/6371615/Oregon/DEQ-JH-Baxter-cleanup-advancing-but-Superfund-listing-and-cost-recovery-remain-ongoing-challenges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6371615-12be1d08ae3d8e97be50be01f4fd1a98/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162075&Signature=nzYugeX1-TNyc-akU9J-Gd0P5--i6ElidaGT-fI0tmZHrD~N4XpQ5OsU3MkTwHopveTor-an84zhHWRjs9HQNQ7pAmHQ1UjZHLSg-q6K88JRSmUkUGZb53OMYzvwTm1fVH~e95TYiDdidyIEV-h~IKNaMipU1ergJPW4ArNHTUOqHSg4IB0a2mU-NbnIL~1vvc6J8Q9V~64HI2sasbr0HGn-lBZ40j9XEZ6PbKl95Se8SE8P5B7PDzFFXdZEQnv3KvoCd2Uo-R2D3PUtR5Ipm0tUUuMMJ1UANX5N95c5UbGJKfY3GxXn~L~Eh5JFykF2-5nlXiZn-CGAF4v9X8ldAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality told the Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs that cleanup work is underway at the former JH Baxter wood‑treating facility in Eugene, but that substantial investigation, long-term remediation and cost recovery remain to be completed.

\"This facility began operation in the forties and was active up until January of 2022,\" Keith Anderson, DEQ Western Region administrator, told the committee. Anderson said the site contained creosote, pentachlorophenol compounds and arsenic-copper preservatives, and that EPA initiated a time‑critical removal action in August to decommission tanks and remove the most hazardous material.

Anderson said the EPA removal action has an estimated budget of about $10 million and is expected to wrap up in the spring, but he cautioned that contamination will remain on- and off-site and that longer-term investigation and cleanup will be necessary. DEQ has completed cleanup in seven residential yards north of the facility and identified at least four more that need urgent work; the agency used its orphan cleanup fund to support residential removals and is seeking additional funds.

DEQ said it has pursued civil penalties and recovery of cleanup costs. The agency reached a settlement with the company in 2022 but has not obtained settlement funds. DEQ has placed liens on Baxter-owned properties in Oregon, California and Washington and is working with the Oregon Department of Justice to pursue recovery. Anderson gave a late-breaking update that the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon filed criminal charges and that Krause Baxter (the parent company) pleaded guilty to four felony counts in November 2024; Anderson said a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office was issued that morning.

Anderson said a Superfund listing remains pending: EPA made a proposed listing formal in September 2024 after Governor Tina Kotek sent a concurrence letter in June; DEQ expects final listing later in the spring. He said Superfund designation would enable broader federal investigation and remedy selection for remaining on- and off-site contamination, and stressed that the process will take years and require ongoing operation and maintenance, including operation of a site groundwater pump-and-treat system.

Committee members asked about the scale of impacts, health monitoring and recovery of costs. Anderson said DEQ has accounted for roughly $2.5 million in state cleanup costs to date and that the criminal case and property liens may affect cost recovery but that recovery is uncertain. He said DEQ would continue community engagement through a community engagement core team and would return with updates as work advances.

","The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality told lawmakers that EPA time-critical removal actions have removed and are decommissioning hazardous tanks at the former JH Baxter wood-treating facility in Eugene, residential yard cleanups have been completed for seven properties with at least four more urgently needed, and criminal and civil cases","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Vietnam War memorial ready to open after phase one; phase two stalled by exhibit disagreement with parks agency

Oregon State Police outlines statewide disaster-response capabilities, dispatch redundancy and new agency operations center

Former special-operations rescue leader pitches gridded school maps to speed emergency response

Oregon National Guard briefs lawmakers on 2024 deployments, wildfire response and recruiting priorities

DEQ: JH Baxter cleanup advancing but Superfund listing and cost recovery remain ongoing challenges