[ODFW-News] ODFW hosts town hall meetings on budget on coast

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Anne Pressentin Young (503) 947-6020	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 947-6009
	

For Immediate Release	Monday, April 19, 2004

ODFW Hosts Town Hall Meetings on Proposed Budget
Meetings to be held in Coos Bay, Newport, Tillamook and Astoria this week

SALEM - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting a series of town hall meetings around the state in April to gain public input on the agency's budget proposal for the 2005-2007 biennium.

The budget proposal being developed by the agency and a citizen budget advisory committee calls for carrying the same level of staffing and programs currently in place. The projected cost to provide the same programs is $225.8 million.

At each town hall meeting, agency staff will present a summary of agency programs and the base budget and gather public comments that will be used to help refine the budget before presenting it to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission in June. ODFW staff present also will open a discussion about commercial fees charged by the agency and options for consolidating and streamlining licenses. 

Written comments on the proposed budget are welcome within two weeks following each public meeting and should be sent to ODFW, 3406 Cherry Ave. NE, Salem OR 97303.  

Public comments will also be heard at the Commission meeting on Friday, June 11 in Baker City. A budget approved by the Commission will be submitted to the Governor for consideration by the 2005 Legislature.

The public meetings will all be held 7 - 9 p.m. at the following locations and dates:

·	Coos Bay: Monday, April 19, Southwestern Oregon Community College, Eden Hall #1, 1988 Newmark Ave. 

·	Newport: Tuesday, April 20, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Public Auditorium, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive.

·	Tillamook: Wednesday, April 21, Oregon State Forestry Office, 5005 3rd St.

·	Astoria: Thursday, April 22, Duncan Law Seafood Consumer Center, 2021 Marine Drive.



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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 947-6002