Oregon senators propose water funding solutions for fire suppression and conservation efforts

The Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue convened on April 7, 2025, to discuss critical funding measures related to water allocation and fire suppression efforts in Oregon. The meeting focused on a proposed bill, SGR 11, which aims to secure a percentage of water resources to support these initiatives.

The discussion began with a clarification regarding the bill's intent, with one member noting that it serves as a placeholder for future financial planning. A recommendation was made to allocate 10% of water resources, which could potentially generate $200 million. This figure was highlighted as significantly more impactful than the current funding mechanisms, such as the kicker, which was noted to contribute only $160 million to the general fund.

Senator Gerard received commendations for his leadership in addressing these pressing issues, with Kyle Smith from the Nature Conservancy expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts among legislators. The committee also heard from Michael Eisen of the Oregon Forest Industries Council, who voiced strong support for the bill and emphasized the importance of allowing voters to decide on the proposed funding allocations.

The meeting concluded without any questions from the committee members, indicating a consensus on the necessity of the proposed measures. The discussions underscored the urgency of addressing fire suppression funding and the potential benefits of reallocating water resources to support environmental and public safety initiatives. Further steps will likely involve refining the bill and preparing it for voter consideration.