Begging For Due Diligence - Kathy Krause, Portland

Respectfully Senator(s):

I have written to all of you recently URGING you to support Senate Bill 30. I now IMPLORE you to support Senate Bill 30 in its ORIGINAL form - banning destination resorts within a three mile buffer of the Metolius River Basin.

I have lived in Oregon for the last thirty two years. I pay taxes, I vote, and I live my life responsibly and accountably. I have chosen to live in Oregon because the legislators of the past have protected and preserved the countless sacred and beautiful scenic areas this State possesses for all Oregonians to enjoy. This State is unique and unlike any other in our country. I depend on all of you, our elected officials to keep it that way!

I support growth, enjoy resorts and golf. HOWEVER, careful thought needs to be made on where these resorts are built. Three miles within a privately and Federally protected wild and scenic river is not one of them! There are many reasons this issue should be heard and settled by the State legislature:

* Who will pay for the evacuation and protection of a resort community if a wildfire breaks loose in this tinderbox of a vast forested area? During the B&B fire and even last year, State and out of State resources were used and stretched thin just to protect the very small communities that reside in this area currently. Water, machinery and manpower are limited now - what happens when there is a population increase of thousands? Extreme pressure was put on neighboring county's roads and resources and this was a natural disaster in a small community. During the B&B fire is took hours to evacuate the current population of a mere 200 Camp Sherman residents. Estimates for the planned resort(s) is up to or more than 3000 residents.

* Where will the water come from to support such a community and its golf courses? The source of the Metolius River water supply has been studied and is still unknown. Any depletion of the surrounding water table could have disastrous impact on the river flow, endangering Federally protected fish species, birds and other wildlife.

* Who will clean up the runoff in the Metolius aquifer from septic, fertilizer and other water containments that would result from this proposed population increase? By the time water damage from the proposed resorts is identified, it will be too late! Clean up will not be an option! Will we then ask why no one thought about this earlier?

* Where will the funds come from to repair/replace the roads that are heavily traveled by construction crews and vehicles during the building phase and then used by a population increase of thousands of residents and employees? By the way, this will be a resort. A majority of the owners and visitors of these resorts will be from out of State. As a taxpaying Oregonian, shouldn't my voice on these concerns be heard first? Much like I believe in preventative healthcare, I believe in preventative management of land use. It is important to think of the ramifications of decisions prior to making them.

* What about all the countless Federal, State, local and private funds that have already been spent protecting this river and its wildlife? Was this money wasted?

* The land in question was originally purchased as a timber harvesting agreement and could not be subdivided. Due to Jefferson County's change of heart, not only will the companies in question reap the benefits of the timber harvest (to the tune of 10,000,000 + dollars) they will also benefit from a starting price tag of $500,000 per lot. I do not feel the voting taxpayers of Oregon should have to pay the bill for the destruction and damage incurred by having resort properties built within a three mile area of the Metolius River Basin. This area is clearly unable support the infrastructure.

I beg you to do due diligence in educating yourselves on this very important issue. An issue which will financially impact all Oregonians, impact our States cherished and loved landscapes and wildlife inhabitants and potentially harm and destroy one of the last and finest examples of a natural wild and scenic river area. The Metolius River Basin is a gift to all Oregonians, and demands protection! Senate Bill 30 in its original form, (without amendments) prohibiting destination resort development within three miles of the Metolius River Basin will provide this protection. This State has plenty of landing pads for destination resorts. Within three miles of the Metolius River Basin is not one of them!

Thank you for taking the time to listen to me. I welcome any comments and answers to my above questions.

Sincerely,

Kathy Krause
Multnomah County
Portland, Oregon