Kotek Weighs Veto on $45 Million Funding for Willamette Falls Trust

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek is contemplating a veto on a proposed allocation of $45 million to the Willamette Falls Trust, alongside three other legislative bills from the 2025 session. The session concluded on June 27, 2023, giving Kotek until August 8, 2023 to make her decision on the funding.

The allocation aims to support a project led by the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The initiative focuses on making the natural landmark, located on the Willamette River between West Linn and Oregon City, publicly accessible.

Kotek’s office emphasized her commitment to ensuring public funds are utilized equitably and responsibly. The Governor has expressed interest in reviewing how previous allocations from the lottery have been spent, particularly in city parks and nature projects.

In an official statement, her office noted, “The governor supports the opportunity of creating public access to the natural wonder that is Willamette Falls, from both sides of the falls. She is exercising her due diligence to understand more fully the use of these dollars and wants to hear more from all interested parties.”

The funding for the Willamette Falls Trust has become contentious. The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde have claimed they should have exclusive control over the falls, despite having been part of the trust until their withdrawal in 2022.

In addition to the Willamette Falls funding, Kotek is also considering vetoes on several other bills. These include House Bill 3824, which permits physical therapists to practice dry needling, and Senate Bill 976, which allows individuals to verify cattle pregnancy without a valid veterinary license under certain conditions. Another bill under review, Senate Bill 1047, mandates expedited reviews of applications for land use by Curry County and the Water Resources Department.

While Kotek has not publicly detailed her reasoning for the potential vetoes, her administration continues to evaluate these bills, taking into account various perspectives.

The Oregon Legislature is scheduled to convene for a special session on August 29, 2023, to address essential funding for road maintenance, local government transportation, and transit needs. A two-thirds majority from both legislative houses can override a governor’s veto, adding urgency to Kotek’s upcoming decision.