Press Release: Highway 11 Safety Update from Representative Greg Smith
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 8, 2024
Highway 11 Safety Update from Representative Greg Smith
SALEM, Ore. – Later this week, Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) will travel to Salem to attend January Legislative Days. Interim committees meet for the final time (Jan. 10-12) before the 2024 short session commences next month. He has meetings scheduled with Representative Paul Evans, who is Co-Chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety, as well as with Representative Tawna Sanchez, who is Co-Chair of the full Ways and Means Committee. He will be briefing them on safety conditions and advocating for the establishment of an Oregon State Police Trooper position that will specifically be dedicated to Milton-Freewater and Highway 11. The Legislative Fiscal Office estimates the cost of establishing a single Oregon State Police Trooper to be $412,612 (for the biennium):
- $296,112 for personnel costs.
- $46,500 for uniforms, firearms, radio, medical assessment, taser, vest, andother equipment.
- $70,000 for a patrol vehicle that includes all police equipment/technology installed (this portion is considered one-time).
“I look forward to meeting with my colleagues in legislative leadership this week,” said Representative Smith, “I will be working to secure funding for an OSP Trooper, specifically for the Milton-Freewater area and Highway 11“.
Representative Greg Smith is currently serving his twelfth term as a State Representative, making him the longest serving member in the Oregon Legislature, as well as the 4th longest serving State Representative in Oregon History. He holds a gavel as the Co-Chair of the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on General Government. Representative Smith also serves as the Co-Vice Chair of the full Joint Ways and Means Committee. Additionally, he is the ranking member on the House Revenue Committee. To reach out, please visit Rep Smith’s Facebook Page or send him an email at rep.gregsmith@oregonlegislature.gov
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Representative Greg Smith
541-993-5236