Date: 01/17/2013 09:29 AM
OR–2nd NewsMinute/282
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – The Oregon Transportation Commission has approved an additional $142 million for an expensive, trouble-plagued project to realign a section of U.S. 20 through the Coast Range. The stretch of highway links Corvallis and Newport. The project was originally estimated to cost $140 million. With yesterday’s money infusion, the estimated cost is $366 million. Work began in 2005 with completion expected by 2009. Now the targeted finish date has been moved back to 2016 at the earliest.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon will issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants accepted into a new federal program that delays deportation for some young people brought illegally to the U.S. as children. Yesterday’s decision by the DMV ends months of uncertainty over how the division would handle applications for driving privileges or state identification from illegal immigrants given a two-year deportation delay and the opportunity to obtain a work permit.
HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) – An overnight fire has destroyed a contractor’s shop near Hillsboro. Washington County firefighters say flames were shooting through the roof when they arrived about 1:45 a.m. There are no hydrants in the area, so firefighters had to shuttle water from a quarter-mile away. The building is a total loss. A truck, car, equipment and tools were stored in the building. Damage is estimated at $75,000.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The U.S. Energy Department has picked the Bonneville Power Administration’s deputy administrator to lead the nonprofit federal power marketing organization. The agency announced yesterday that Bill Drummond will replace BPA Administrator Steve Wright, who is retiring. BPA is one of four power marketing administrations that the Energy Department oversees.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
