SB 745 celebrates 50th anniversary of
Oregon’s Beach Bill with reinvestment
SALEM – Sen. Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay) advances legislation to help with public safety, marine debris cleanup, and severe storm events on Oregon’s beaches, while also boosting
tourism in coastal communities.
The Oregon Beach Bill (House Bill 1601) was a landmark piece of legislation passed with bipartisan support in 1967. The Beach Bill declared that all wet sand within sixteen vertical feet of the low tide line belongs to the citizens of Oregon. Senate Bill 745 will continue the vision behind HB 1601 by establishing the Ocean Beach Fund, to be
administered through the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The funds
would be dedicated to improving visitor safety, emergency responses, and the necessary
resource management to ensure the ecological and economic value of Oregon's
public beaches for future generations.
“We have 362 miles of ocean beaches in Oregon that provide
breathtaking vistas and numerous recreational opportunities,” Roblan said.
“They also support important economic activities for coastal communities.
Investing in our beaches and coastal communities allows us to build on, enhance
and further cultivate the potential of our tourism industry.”
Roblan noted that it is particularly appropriate to make a
commitment to the revitalization of our beaches, as this year
marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of the original Oregon
Beach Bill. That legislation guaranteed public access to Oregon’s beaches. Half
a century later, it is essential to use our beach and water resources wisely
for the present, while preserving and protecting them for future generations.
Travelers to the coast who enjoy our beaches and tourist
infrastructure represent an estimated $2.4 billion in direct expenditures
annually. As the number of visitors to our coast increases, so does the need
for improved public safety, emergency response, marine debris cleanup and
recreational services. Provisions also must be made to address the damage done
by erosion and severe storm events.
“On the coast our beaches are the main draw, so it makes
sense to invest a small amount of money to keep our beaches desirable and
pristine,” Roblan said. “In doing so, our coastal communities will reap a huge
pay-back in tourist dollars and an improved quality of life. This investment
will be good for the beaches, good for the environment and good for the coastal
economy.”
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Oregon Coast Community College’s facilities in Lincoln City and Newport
Tomorrow, Friday, April 7, Lincoln County residents can meet twice monthly with their representatives, live via video conference from Oregon Coast Community College’s facilities in Lincoln City and Newport.
“Senator Arnie Roblan and Representative David Gomberg have freed up time on their busy schedules every second and fourth Friday at 7:45 a.m.,” OCCC’s Small Business Development Center Director Dave Price said. “We’re inviting the public to join us any of these Fridays for this opportunity to ask questions directly of their representatives at the Capitol, and to hear directly from them the issues they’re deliberating that very day. Students and citizens of all ages are encouraged to participate.”
OCCC’s Central County Campus is located at 400 SE College Way in Newport. The North County Center in Lincoln City is located at 3788 SE High School Drive.
Oregon Coast Community College serves Lincoln County through centers in Waldport, Newport and Lincoln City.
To learn more about OCCC and its programs and services, visit www.oregoncoastcc.org or call 541-994-4166.
