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News
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ODA director pleased with legislatively approved budget
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6/10/2011
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Article Content Suggested lead
Despite challenging economic times, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has generally fared well as the legislature funds state agencies for the next biennium:
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Audio 01
Lawmakers have approved an 83 million dollar Oregon Department of Agriculture budget for the 2011-2013 biennium. That's a little less than the previous budget but pretty good considering the economic climate, according to ODA Director Katy Coba:
COBA: "So for the Department of Agriculture, we are really in a good place, as well as I could have expected, moving into the coming biennium." :10
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Audio 02
The legislature did make cuts in some areas but actually provided additional General Fund dollars in ODA programs dealing with marketing, water quality, and predator control. It also approved three fee increases to help pay for the seed program, the Confined Animal Feeding Operation Program, and the Shellfish Program. Coba says the legislature and ag industry support is gratifying:
COBA: "There's not any fluff in this agency, and I think that's recognized by our customers. They know when we say we need a fee increase, or we need your help, or we need your support, they are there to support us. That is very, very gratifying." :14
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The director says legislative support for ODA's budget reflects a bigger support and recognition for the value of Oregon's natural resources industries and the state agencies that support those industries. In Salem, I'm Bruce Pokarney.
Additional audio: Audio 03
COBA says the legislature agrees that all Oregonians benefit from the work being done by natural resources agencies. That's why agencies like ODA have been given additional General Fund dollars:
"The constituent groups of those agencies, whether they are agricultural groups or forestry groups or environmental groups, recognize the economic contribution that the natural resources sector in this state contributes to Oregon's economy- it's over one-third of Oregon's economy- as well as it's contribution to the environment." :18
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Additional audio: Audio 04
COBA says jobs and the economy are big themes this legislative session. That's largely why lawmakers were interested in providing adequate funding for those state agencies that help the natural resources industries:
"We heard that theme over and over again, the need to support all natural resources agencies with General Fund, not just the Department of Agriculture." :08
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Full story
http://oregon.gov/ODA/news/110610budget.shtml |
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