AP-OR–2nd NewsMinute,276
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A new report on the massive new Interstate
5 bridge and freeway expansion project over the Columbia River has
a big surprise for Oregon and Washington. The Oregonian reports
that the just-released final environmental impact statement makes
clear that planners expect the states to kick in $450 million each.
That’s in addition to the combined $147 million they’ve paid so far
toward the more than $3 billion price tag.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Portland police say four people have a
court date today to answer charges related to what’s believed to be
the biggest drug bust in the department’s history. Police
investigators teamed up with DEA agents to seize 28 pounds of
heroin, 2 pounds of cocaine and $156,000 in cash during raids at
three homes Wednesday. The four suspects are being held on $2
million bail each.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – With less than two weeks before students
return to Oregon campuses, it appears that a strike by university
support workers has been averted. The Oregon University System says
it has reached a contract agreement with the union representing
nearly 4,000 workers. The agreement still must be ratified in a
vote of Service Employees International Union members on the seven
university campuses.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon’s minimum-wage workers will get an
extra 30 cents an hour next year. Labor officials say the minimum
wage will rise to $8.80 per hour on Jan. 1. Oregon voters approved
a ballot measure in 2002 that requires a minimum wage adjustment
each year based on changes in inflation measured by the Consumer
Price Index. The index rose nearly 4 percent over the past year.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-09-16-11 0932EDT
