[ODFW-News] ODFW Portland headquarters operates with limited staff Aug. 15

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Information and Education Division
Contact: 	Anne Pressentin Young (503) 872-5264 x5356	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 872-5700
	
For Immediate Release	Thursday, August 7, 2003

ODFW Portland headquarters operates with limited staff 
Friday, Aug. 15
Agency begins operations in Salem Monday, Aug. 18 

PORTLAND - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Portland headquarters will have a limited number of staff members working Friday, Aug. 15, as the agency moves operations to a new Salem location. All other ODFW offices will be open for business, though some services, including the agency Web site, may be affected. 

ODFW headquarters operations will resume at 8 a.m., Monday, Aug. 18, at the agency's new location at 3406 Cherry Avenue NE in north Salem. The new phone number is (503) 947-6000. ODFW asks for the public's patience while employees begin operations and unpack in the new location that first day. The agency is planning an open house 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11, for members of the public, elected officials, media and staff from other state agencies. 

The agency will be moving during a weekend to reduce the disruption to customers. However, to enhance movers' efficiency, most headquarters services will be shut down Aug. 15. There will be no license sales, regular telephone services, fax services or electronic mail services that day. In addition, ODFW's Web site and statewide electronic mail system will be shut down around 5 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 14, because the computer servers will be moved along with the files and furniture. E-mail and the Web site are scheduled to be reconnected Saturday, Aug. 16. 

ODFW worked closely with the Salem building owner to locate and design the facility to most effectively meet the needs of ODFW customers, employees, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission and people who meet with ODFW employees. The building is conveniently located just off the Salem Parkway and easily accessed from Interstate 5. ODFW staff members will greet visitors from the first floor welcome desk. Also on the first floor are the license sales counter, Human Resources Division, Commission hearing room, two meeting rooms and a deli. Parking is free. 

ODFW is moving its headquarters operations from downtown Portland to north Salem as a result of Senate Bill 50, which was passed during the 2001 Legislative Session and signed into law by then-Gov. John Kitzhaber. Both the Legislature and Kitzhaber said Oregonians would be better served by locating ODFW's headquarters near other state agencies and the Capitol where communication between agencies, the Governor's Office and legislators is enhanced by close proximity.

All costs associated with the move are being financed by the sale of the agency's Portland headquarters. 

Information about the agency's move to Salem is posted to the ODFW Web site at www.dfw.state.or.us.

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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 872-5264 ext 5528