Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 20, 1998
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Governor uses emergency fund to support Columbia River Gorge Commission

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today notified the state of Oregon that he is prepared to provide $94,000 from his special emergency fund to support the operations of the Columbia River Gorge Commission, a bi-state agency established to protect the natural beauty and character of the 85-mile Columbia Gorge.

Locke said the allocation is contingent on a commitment of matching funds by the state of Oregon, which has been waiting for a similar commitment by Washington.

Locke said the emergency allocation was necessary because the Washington Legislature did not provide the funding necessary for the Commission to review the Gorge management plan, developed in 1992 to establish guidelines for managing growth in the 300,000-acre National Scenic Area.

"The Gorge Commission is entering a major review of its management plan to address issues raised by the people who live in that area," Locke said. "It would be a shame to see that work come to a halt after all the progress that has been made to reach agreements with local governments. I want to make sure we protect the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge for all citizens."

The Commission has indicated the need to lay off two to three members of its nine-member staff without the additional funding from the two states. This represents 33 percent of the Commission's total budget. Without those staff members, the Commission has indicated it cannot review the management plan, currently scheduled for completion next year.

This is the second year in a row Locke has used a portion of his emergency fund to support the work of the Commission. Last year he provided $75,000 from his emergency fund to match an equal amount by the state of Oregon to allow the Commission to begin reviewing its management plan.

Created by Congress in 1986, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area includes parts of six counties - including Clark, Skamania and Klickitat counties in Washington.

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