Suit against feds pushed for O&C funding solution
From our weekly issue dated January 30, 2008
Sen. Rick Metsger (D-Mt. Hood) has formally requested that the Oregon Dept. of Justice investigate and pursue legal action against the federal government on behalf of Oregon’s rural counties to secure funding for the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act.
In a letter to Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers, Metsger asked the Justice Dept. to determine if Oregon has a “protectable interest” in the funding that supports rural schools and funds a majority of county road maintenance work.
If so, Metsger said, “The state needs to defend our rural communities and sue for restoration of these funds, if that is what it takes to ensure the federal government meets its historic responsibility to these communities.”
Despite efforts from Oregon’s Congressional delegation, Congress has failed to restore the funding that expired this month. The result is a significant effect to public safety, community livability and transportation infrastructure, the senator said.
The federal funding is designed to compensate rural counties for the loss of federal timber receipts that have dwindled during recent years due to federal regulation.
“In my transportation tour of Oregon last fall I have seen first-hand the devastating impacts this funding loss means to working Oregonians,” Metsger said. “It is time the state speak up and say loudly that lack of action on this important issue is unacceptable.”
Metsger is chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, and a candidate for Oregon secretary of state. He says that with an economic downturn gripping the state and the nation that this funding loss will be magnified.
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