Oregon would study a possible Central Oregon port

The Oregon Business Development Department would study a possible Port of Central Oregon. The proposed port would aim to coordinate infrastructure, improve trade movement, and support economic development. The study concerns a port in one or more of Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties. The department would report to legislative committees on economic development by September 15, 2027. The study provision would end January 2, 2028, and the act would take effect 91 days after the 2026 session adjourns.

The department's study would recommend options for the port's leadership, boundaries, funding, and powers. The recommendations would concern the possible Port of Central Oregon. The study would consider possible taxing and borrowing powers, as well as powers beyond those generally available to ports. The report covering these topics would be due by September 15, 2027.

The department's study would consider ways to use resources and freight systems and coordinate with tribes. The study would address economic development, freight, infrastructure, and coordination with federally recognized tribes in Oregon. The study would consider industrial symbiosis, or ways industries can share or reuse resources. The report covering these topics would be due by September 15, 2027.

The department's study would consider who might own and operate named sites and other facilities. Sites include CORE3, Bend Municipal Airport, Juniper Ridge near Bend, and other current or future facilities within possible port boundaries that could serve the port's purposes. The report covering these topics would be due by September 15, 2027.