HB 5019 Signed Into Law
Yesterday Governor Tina Kotek signed House Bill 5019 into law. The bill contains significant policy changes and investments intended to address Oregon’s housing needs. And provides approximately 20 million dollars to expand and strengthen the Oregon Department of Human Services Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program. The program is tasked with coordinating statewide planning for delivery of services to youth experiencing homelessness under the age of 25. The program partners with impacted youth, community organizations and other state agencies to support and fund initiatives and programs within the youth homelessness system. The dedicated money will include funding for prevention services, early and crisis intervention housing, such as shelters and other programming, transitional living, temporary housing, as well as mental health and substance use support.
TSP Open House
There will be a third and final Open House for the city’s Transportation Systems Plan on April 20th at 5:30 at the Florence Events Center. It will be the public’s final chance to render feedback on the plan. Open house materials can be found at projectcomment.com/florencetsp. The Transportation Plan encompasses a 20 year period.
WLFEA Budget Committee
The budget committee for Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority will begin its preliminary preparations for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024. There will be a board workshop on Thursday April 6th at 5:30 at the main fire house on Highway 101. According to information from WLFEA there will be no decisions made at this meeting
Arrest in Regional Break-ins
Authorities in Lincoln City worked quickly to take a suspect into custody and recover items taken in multiple business break-ins last week. According to Lincoln City police, three restaurants and a cell phone retailer were broken into between Monday and Thursday, reporting the loss of merchandise and cash totaling several thousand dollars. They were able to develop a suspect by using video surveillance and other evidence. The next day Salem police arrested the suspect for outstanding warrants during a traffic stop. A search of the vehicle belonging to 30-year old Joshua Murrell (mur-RELL) of Damascus, Oregon led to discovery of items stolen in the Lincoln City thefts. He is expected to be arraigned this week.