Monday, Jun 27 2011 4:02PM
A new bill in Oregon would create a hydropower plant in Prineville and open up employment opportunities for locals.
Congressman Greg Walden of Oregon presented legislation to the U.S. House of Representatives on June 24, which would approve construction of a new hydropower plant in the town of Prineville.
The proposal would cost taxpayers nothing, according to Walden, and would allow Prineville to use 5,100 acre-feet from the Prineville Reservoir to help meet increasing demand.
The legislation would ultimately create new jobs and improve water conservation in Prineville, which is located in Crook County. Walden noted the high unemployment rate in the county and stated the bill would provide many job opportunities for local residents.
Walden stated the construction companies building the new plant "would create probably 50 construction jobs for two years, produce long-term hydropower and put money on the local tax role as a result of having this private investment."
The congressman's legislation has numerous backers, including the Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council and the Central Oregon Association.
Last year, the Oregon Water Resources Management Act, sponsored by Walden, was signed into law. The legislation aims to help with water and resource conservation in the state's Second District.