Metolius Resorts Become Big Issue In Salem

By Ethan Lindsey | March 2, 2009 8:52 a.m. | Updated: June 16, 2010 11:59 p.m. | Bend, OR

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State lawmakers meet in Redmond Saturday for a field trip to the heartland of destination resort country. The house Land Use committee will discuss a possible ban on any more destination resorts – including those near the Metolius River.Central Oregon correspondent Ethan Lindsey reports.
Democratic Governor Ted Kulongoski supports legislation to restrict destination resorts – he also backs a land use rule to protect the Metolius as an ‘Area of Critical Statewide Concern.’ At the same time, developers of a so-called Metolius ‘eco-resort’ are pushing a bill to allow for sustainable developments.And a bill introduced this week by Salem Democrat Brian Clem would ban subdivision-style resorts near the Metolius, but he says developers could build if they proved it wouldn't harm the river, the water, or wildlife.Rep. Brian Clem: "For them to comply, they would also need to be successful in developing an eco-resort type statute. Because if they fail, and they sell it to someone else, that person wouldn’t have to abide by their application, they could make a new one, and it could be for a big golf course."And don’t forget, the state may possibly overhaul its land use laws – a process that could limit destination resorts as well.

© 2009 OPB

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