SB 635, a bill that allows counties to recoup costs related to right of way permitting, is one of the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) and the Oregon Association of County Engineers and Surveyors (OACES) top priorities for the 2023 Legislative Session.
Pre-session filed by Senator Lew Frederick (D-Portland), the bill is a reintroduction of HB 3049 from the 2021 Legislative Session, and a critical resource for counties as they engage in costly permitting processes without the ability to recoup costs. Cities can currently recoup similar costs in statute. The bill is aimed to provide equitable options across jurisdictions and help counties continue to deliver access to services.
AOC staff has worked with stakeholders over the past few years to identify solutions for this funding issue. A workgroup has been formed to allow additional dialogue between utility providers, legislators, and counties before the bill advances.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate