Rep. Smith sets meetings for Highway 11 safety
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) has plans to bring the issue of safety on Highway 11 from Milton-Freewater to Stateline Road to Salem before the session starts on Feb. 8. Legislative Days begin tomorrow (Wednesday) and Smith has scheduled some key meetings
He will sit down with the Rep. Paul Evans, who is the co-chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety. Smith also has a meeting with Rep. Tawna Sanchez who co-chairs the full Joint Ways and Means Committee. Highway 11 will be the topic of both meetings.
Smith’s office says Smith will brief both lawmakers on safety conditions and advocate for the establishment of an Oregon State Police trooper position that will be specifically dedicated to Milton-Freewater and Highway 11. There used to be such a trooper there, but the position was eliminated when OSP underwent big budget cuts.
The Legislative Fiscal Office estimates the cost of establishing a single OSP trooper is $412,612 per biennium. That figure includes salary, uniforms, firearms, radio, medical assessment, Taser, vest, and other equipment. It also includes the purchase of a patrol vehicle equipped with the necessary equipment and technology.
“I look forward to meeting with my colleagues in legislative leadership this week,” Smith said. “I will be working to secure funding for an OSP trooper, specifically for the Milton-Freewater area and Highway 11.”
