SEN. GINNY BURDICK   STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT 18 PORTLAND, TIGARD, & KING CITY

 

News Release

 

January 28, 2009

 

CONTACT:

Molly Woon (503) 986-1074

 

Senator Burdick applauds passage of Jobs Stimulus Bill from Oregon Senate

Projects approved include Portland State and Portland Community College

 

SALEM – A state economic stimulus plan passed by the Senate today will invest significant dollars into economic recovery for Oregon workers. Senate Bill 338 provides for over $175 million in deferred maintenance and capital construction authority through bond sales to take place in the next two months. Big winners in the projects approved today include state universities and community colleges, many of which will see major upgrades.

 

“With both Portland State University and parts of Portland Community College in my district, I know how important it is to take care of our institutions of higher learning,” said Sen. Ginny Burdick (D-Portland). “Not only Oregon workers, but our students are big winners today. These investments in PSU and PCC are really needed and will make a big difference in the classroom environment.”

 

By investing in smaller infrastructure upgrades, the Oregon Jobs Stimulus Plan will provide work opportunities for local contractors, many of whom are unable to be competitive bidders for large capitol construction projects. Focusing on deferred maintenance projects also has the added benefit of prolonging the life of state buildings.

 

Portland State University will see an investment of nearly $20 million, including updates to many major buildings on campus. Some projects approved today include:

• $500,000 for academic modernization and increasing accessibility to the Art Building
• $1 million for upgrades to Neuberger Hall for increasing ADA compliance and expanding instructional space
• $1.5 million to Lincoln Hall for building repairs including elevator maintenance and HVAC work
• $2 million to repair and replace roofs on Neuberger Hall, Art Building, Millar Library, and Cramer Hall
• $3.5 million to expedite construction on Science Building 2 renovations

 

Over $10 million in projects are slated for Portland Community College including:

• $500,000 for upgrades to comply with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act
• Updating the 20-year-old phone systems to newer technologies
• Replacing gymnasium flooring and swimming pool decking at the Sylvania Campus
• Installing a new emergency management system to replace an antiquated system that is no longer supported by the manufacturer

 

"These are smart investments," said Burdick (D-Portland). "These projects will modernize our classrooms, increase the energy efficiency of our buildings, and expand access by updating facilities to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act."

 

The projects in SB 338 will create immediate employment opportunities for Oregonians in all 36 counties. The entire list of deferred maintenance projects and other resources on SB 338 is available on the website of the Legislative Fiscal Office. The bill will head to the House floor for a vote next week.

 

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