Study outlines impact of tsunami on the Columbia River

Engineers at Oregon State University have completed one of the most precise evaluations yet done about the impact of a major tsunami event on the Columbia River, what forces are most important in controlling water flow and what areas might be inundated.
They found, in general, that tidal stages are far more important than river flow in determining the impact of a tsunami; that it would have its greatest effect at the highest tides of the year; and that a tsunami would be largely dissipated within about 50 miles of the river’s mouth, near Longview, Wash.
Any water level increases caused by a tsunami would be so slight as to be almost immeasurable around the Portland metropolitan area or Bonneville Dam, the study showed. But water could rise as much as 13 feet just inside the mouth of the Columbia River, and almost 7 feet within a few miles of Astoria.
“There have been previous models of Columbia River run-up as a result of a tsunami, but they had less resolution than this work,” said David Hill, an associate professor of civil engineering in the OSU College of Engineering. “We carefully considered the complex hydrodynamics, subsidence of grounds that a tsunami might cause, and the impacts during different scenarios.”
The impact of tsunamis on rivers is difficult to predict, researchers say, because many variables are involved that can either dampen or magnify their effect. Such factors can include the width and shape of river mouths, bays, river flow, tidal effects, and other forces.

Governor Kate Brown Addresses Oregonians Following Swearing-in Ceremony

New Oregon Governor Kate Brown delivered the following address following her swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, February 18th:

Governors Roberts and Kulongoski, tribal leaders, Speaker Kotek, President Courtney, honored colleagues, good morning. 
As I take the oath of office this morning, I am blessed to have the support of a large and wonderful family, many of whom are here. I want to specially thank two people who’ve had a great influence on my life: my mother, Sally, and my spouse, Dan Little, who is my rock.
It’s been a tough few months.  The people of Oregon have had reason to question their trust in state government. Oregon has been in the national news for all the wrong reasons. 
That changes starting today. It’s time for us to get back to work. It’s time to move Oregon forward.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown Announces Executive Team Staff Members

On Wednesdy, February 18th, Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced members of her Executive Team:

Brian Shipley, Chief of Staff
Brian comes to the Governor’s Office after having served in the government relations department at Oregon Health & Science University. Prior to that, he held positions throughout state government, including serving as Kate Brown’s Deputy Secretary of State and as a member of Governor Ted Kulongoski’s executive team. He also was Chief of Staff for the Senate Majority Leader and Director of Legislation for the Peter Courtney, President of the Senate.

Brian graduated from Willamette University with a degree in Politics and Environmental Science and received his law degree from Georgetown University.

Benjamin Souede, General Counsel
Ben graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and cum laude in 2002 from Harvard Law School. After law school, he served as a judicial law clerk for the Hon. Susan P. Graber of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. After completing his clerkship, Ben moved to Washington, D.C. to serve as a Senior Advisor to then-Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY).

Ben began his legal practice with the leading D.C. litigation firm Williams & Connolly LLP. Upon returning to Portland, he continued in private practice as an attorney, first with Lane Powell PC and then as a founding attorney of what is now the Angeli Ungar Law Group LLC. He is also a founding member of the Advisory Board to the Oregon Innocence Project.

Kristen Grainger, Communications Director
Kristen graduated from the University of Washington in 1988, and has been vice president and assistant to the president at Willamette University since 2002. Prior, she worked in Oregon state politics for more than 13 years as a journalist, political advisor and legislative advocate, including service with Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers from 1996 to 2002, and communications director for Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski’s 2002 gubernatorial campaign.

Gina Zejdlik, Senior Policy Advisor
Gina is a graduate of the University of Washington and Notre Dame law school. She previously worked as a Deputy Legislative Counsel for the Oregon Legislature with an emphasis on government ethics, redistricting and election law. After serving as Legislative Director for Secretary of State Kate Brown, she was appointed Interim Elections Director. Most recently, Gina served as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State.

 --from the Governor's office

CLATSOP COUNTY ENTERPRISE ZONE PROPOSED TO BOOST INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

  

The public is invited to learn more about a proposed enterprise zone designed to boost economic development in Clatsop County at a meeting Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.

Clatsop County, the Port of Astoria and the cities of Astoria and Warrenton will consider submitting an application to the State of Oregon for the designation of an enterprise zone covering multiple areas.

The enterprise zone program allows property tax exemptions of up to five years on new capital construction such as new buildings/structures, modifications, additions and new equipment, in exchange for job creation and other public benefits. Participating firms are required to meet program requirements set by the state as well as the local sponsors. Once the five-year period ends the qualifying improvements are fully taxed.