Oregon authorizes bonds for public projects and sets university job rules

The State Treasurer may issue several types of state bonds for approved public projects. The authorizations cover state agencies, public universities, housing programs, transportation projects, public safety facilities, environmental work, and other listed projects. The bond amounts and purposes are subject to the limits and requirements in state law. Some bonds require a request from the Oregon Department of Administrative Services or another responsible agency. The Arena Fund bonds require the conditions for issuing debt under Senate Bill 1501 and a combined net-proceeds cap. Most listed authorizations apply to the 2025-2027 biennium; Arena Fund authorizations also include the biennium beginning July 1, 2027.

The State Treasurer may issue lottery bonds and direct the proceeds to listed state, local, nonprofit, and community projects. Projects include flood-safety work, the Coos Bay channel, brownfield cleanup, industrial land, affordable housing, water and wastewater systems, treatment facilities, fire stations, airports, and community facilities. The Oregon Department of Administrative Services must request the bonds and, in many cases, consult with the Oregon Business Development Department or the named recipient. Bond proceeds must go to the specified fund and recipient for the stated project. The bonds may include extra amounts needed to pay bond-related costs. Most listed authorizations apply to the biennium ending June 30, 2027; some provisions refer to the 2023-2025 or 2025-2027 biennia.

Public universities carrying out a qualified project must require covered contractors to use apprentices, recruit certain workers, provide benefits, and report results. The rules apply to contracts estimated at $200,000 or more for five listed university capital projects, including projects at Portland State, the University of Oregon, Southern Oregon University, Western Oregon University, and Oregon State University-Cascades. Contractors must have apprentices perform 15 percent of work hours in apprenticeable occupations. Contractors must create an outreach, recruitment, and retention plan for women, minority individuals, and veterans, with a 15 percent aspirational target for total work hours. Contractors must provide health insurance and retirement benefits, and covered subcontractors must follow the same requirements. Universities must report project workforce and benefit information each year. The rules apply while a public university carries out a qualified project; annual reports are due by February 1.