http://oregonstatelands.us/DSL/news/pr1012...s_suspend.shtml

Newsroom

Waterway Rulemaking Process Suspended

04/23/2010

For immediate release 10-12

More information: Julie Curtis – 503-986-5298; julie.curtis@state.or.us



April 28 hearing in Astoria, public comment period cancelled

Salem – The Department of State Lands (DSL) announced today that the agency is indefinitely suspending a recent effort to update administrative rules governing waterway authorizations.

"We believe we need more time to listen and respond to the public's issues and concerns relating to the waterway authorization process," said Louise Solliday, DSL director.

At statehood in 1859, Oregon gained ownership of all land underlying navigable and tidally influenced waters. Upland property owners must have authorization from DSL to place a structure on this state-owned land.

The department issues authorizations for such uses as docks, boat houses, marinas and recreational cabins on state-owned "submerged and submersible" land. Rules governing these authorizations have been in place since 1972, and changes have been made over time to reflect new types of uses or to clarify rule provisions. The last major revision occurred in the late 1990s.

Until further notice, the existing administrative rules governing waterway uses will be in effect (OAR 141-082-0000 through 141-082-0210).

The State Land Board consists of Governor Theodore Kulongoski, Secretary of State Kate Brown and State Treasurer Ted Wheeler. The Department of State Lands administers diverse natural and fiscal resources. Many of the resources generate revenue for the Common School Fund, such as state-owned rangelands and timberlands, waterway leases, estates for which no will or heirs exist, and unclaimed property. Twice a year, the agency distributes fund investment earnings to support K-12 public schools. The agency also administers Oregon's Removal-Fill Law, which requires people removing or filling certain amounts of material in waters of the state to obtain a permit.


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