State legislators will be asked to put even more money into the Treasure Valley Reload Center to finish the stalled project. County officials are expected to ask for the money but how fast the relief could arrive isn’t clear.
Author: By Les Zaitz - The Enterprise
Smith resigns from Nyssa rail project management
Greg Smith, who has managed the Treasure Valley Reload Center since it was a concept, is resigning from the project team, effective Feb. 28, according to an email obtained by The Enterprise.
Commentary: USC class teams up with Enterprise on important topic: child poverty
Why is rural journalism important? A class from USC is about to find out, thanks to a partnership with the Malheur Enterprise that will explore the roots and solutions for child poverty here.
Short of money, rail managers ask contractors to hold onto bills for work already done
Project managers confirmed that the Treasure Valley Reload Center is so far over budget that contractors are “talked into” not submitting invoices. Those on the board managing the shipping center and Malheur County Judge Dan Joyce and Commissioner Ron Jacobs ignored questions about the practice.
SPECIAL REPORT: Another state bailout for Nyssa rail project in the works
Construction has been stopped since December on the Treasure Valley Reload Center in Nyssa while project organizers scramble for more money. Now, they will ask legislators for help covering the shortfall, according to public records obtained by the Enterprise.
SPECIAL REPORT: Smith pledges scrutiny of rail project budget, can’t produce one
The public board managing the Treasure Valley Reload Center hasn’t seen budget numbers since October but keeps spending. Greg Smith, project manager, assured the board financial commitments would not be made in excess of available funds – a claim contradicted by recently-disclosed public records.
SPECIAL REPORT: State suspends payments for Nyssa rail project
As bills flow in, the county’s development company learns the state is stopping payments for the Treasure Valley Reload Center. Contrract issues are tying up millions needed to finish the project.
Governor’s budget themes address Malheur County’s major challenges
Making housing affordable and easier to build, Gov. Tina Kotek maps out ambitious two-year spending plan for Oregon. She shared her proposed budget on Tuesday, Jan. 31.
State’s fund for rail center nearly exhausted but millions in costs remain, records show
Managers of the Treasure Valley Reload Center project haven’t released a budget since October and an analysis shows the financial circumstances have worsened. A recent board meeting was canceled because project leaders weren’t ready with update cost figures.
COMMENTARY: Demise of Medford paper comes as legislators propose a news rescue
COMMENTARY: A handful of legislators is proposing how to prop up local news in Oregon – just as one of the state’s largest dailies closes. Citizens and journalists need to respond.