 Oregon Tech Ribbon Cutting
 It was my honor to stand next to Oregon Tech’s President Dr. Nagi Naganathan for a ribbon cutting of the Center for Excellence in Engineering and Technology building. The new CEET building is beautiful on campus and will be a great asset for Oregon Tech to recruit top talent to Klamath Falls. As State Representative, it was gratifying to see the results from $40 million in state funding, that I worked together to secure, for this project.
According to Dr. Naganathan, "The opening of this new center is possible thanks to the efforts of many people who supported the vision and the implementation. This center is a game-changer for the state, especially for Oregon Tech’s students, faculty and researchers, and for our industry partners.”
 Last week, the Oregon Legislature held its bi-monthly Legislative Days. Because the Capitol is still under renovating construction, the meetings were conducted remotely. I serve as Vice Chair on the House Revenue committee and as a member on the E-Board (Emergency Board). In just three days, the legislature authorized the spending of over $1 billion. While there were many items of concern, one item is worth noting — an allocation of up to $5 million for grasshopper and cricket suppression. If you remember around this time last year the Swan Lake area looked like the plague with these insects. Many places in eastern Oregon suffered a similar infestation.
That said, there were several missed opportunities for investments, due to decisions by the majority party, who control the agenda. Inflation, violent crime, drug use and homelessness were issues that went unaddressed by the E-Board. This reminds me of a continual pattern of failed Democrat leadership on important subjects. Missed opportunities directly impact our prosperity and happiness as Oregonians.
 It was a pleasure to spend time with a great group of people at the Sunriver/La Pine Rotary. I appreciate the opportunity in this community to hear positive feedback, as well as the imperative need to take our state in a new direction.
The Oregon Water Resources Department recently announced it will begin accepting grant applications for the Water Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replacement Fund to provide financial assistance to permanently abandon, repair or replace a water well used for household purposes. The Department has approximately $5.4 million dollars available.
In December 2021, the Oregon legislature directed the Department to prioritize repair, replacement or abandonment of low-to-moderate income households impacted with domestic wells that are impacted by drought or wildfire for the 2021-2023 biennium.
Priority will be given for low to moderate income households in areas recently impacted by drought or wildfire. To help as many Oregonians as possible with the funding program, there is a limit of $40,000 per applicant.
For more information visit OWRD’s Well Abandonment Repair and Replacement Fund online for all forms and information.
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Need Assistance?
If you need assistance on a state matter or have an idea for legislation, please reach out to my office. Note: the best way to contact my office during the interim, while we are not in session, is to send an email.
E. WERNER RESCHKE
State Representative, HD 56
Southern Klamath & Lake Counties
Capitol Phone
(503) 986-1456
Capitol Address
900 Court St. NE, H-384
Salem, OR 97301
Email
Rep.EWernerReschke@oregonlegislature.gov
Website
www.oregonlegislature.gov/reschke
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