Road Work Planned
Work on widening highway 126 near Veneta and adding two roundabouts could still be up to two years away. David House with the Oregon Department of Transportation says roundabouts have been gaining popularity in Oregon.
“We’re actually getting requests for them. People have gotten used to them, they’ve seen the advantages, they like them, they are faster to build, easier to fund.”
House mentioned the proposal for adding them at Huston Road and Ellmaker Road makes sense.
“This is the ideal stage for a roundabout. Over the decades as traffic volume increases then it gets harder for people to turn left or turn on to the highway in any direction simply because of the increase in traffic volume.”
While people get the impression that it may take more time to get through a roundabout, House says it can speed things up and improve safety.
“It’s also something that allows traffic to just slow down, not have to come to a complete stop. But at least navigate the intersection more safely.”
ODOT received a $30-millon grant to improve safety on Highway 126, they are currently in the planning stage. House says they’ll likely begin construction sometime in 2026 or possibly 2027.
Down Payment Assistance
More than half of all renters in Oregon and a third of homeowners experience a housing cost burden, according to new research. Housing advocates say investing 45-million dollars in down payment assistance will help open the door to homeownership. Karen Saxe is with Dev Northwest, an organization that provides home buyer education and down payment assistance in Oregon. She says Culturally Responsive Organization Down Payment Assistance funds would help lessen the gap between rising housing prices and what people can actually afford.
“Our team works with people every day that have put in the hard work and face the ongoing challenge of saving for a down payment as prices throughout their lives continue to climb. “
In many cases, rent can be higher than a mortgage payment would be for a similarly sized house or condo. The down payment assistance is part of Governor Kotek’s proposed budget for 2025 to 2027, and is expected to directly benefit 750 first-time homebuyers. DEV Northwest has been active with several projects here in Florence including the newly built Shore Pines at Munsel Creek.
Grant Cycle Opens
The Western Lane Community Foundation is accepting proposals for its 2025 Community Grant Projects starting February 1st. Grants will support arts and culture, health and wellness, social and community services, education, and the environment. Awards typically range from $500 to $5,000, depending on project scope and available funds. In 2024, WLCF awarded over $117,000 to 27 non-profits, continuing its mission to support vital community services and facilities. Applications are due by 11:59 PM on April 1st, 2025. Non-profits serving Western Lane County can apply via the WLCF website at wlcfonline.org or contact WLCF for assistance at (541) 997-1274.
Gas Prices
The price of gas in Florence has risen seven cents over the past week, now averaging $3.14 per gallon. Statewide, Oregon’s average increased six cents to $3.54 per gallon, following a jump in crude oil prices to $80 per barrel—the highest since last August. Contributing factors include reduced output from Russia and Saudi Arabia, strong winter heating fuel demand, and anticipation of seasonal refinery maintenance. Nationally, the average price for regular gas climbed six cents to $3.13 per gallon. Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon notes that gas prices often rise in early spring with the switch to summer-blend fuel, which starts sooner on the West Coast.