Oregon Governor Tina Kotek's effort to improve state infrastructure and accelerate housing projects moved forward with a public hearing on House Bill 3031 in the House Housing and Homelessness Committee. Business Oregon presented the bill, which proposes allocating $100 million to the Housing Infrastructure Production Fund to support infrastructure for residential development, according to the Governor's Office.
Governor Kotek addressed the need for infrastructure in housing development, stating, "There is a costly, hidden step to building more housing. Many cities are poised to build more housing, but they need expansions of sewer, water, and other infrastructure to support it." She has been meeting with local communities across Oregon to discuss the issue, as reported by the Governor's Office.
Local leaders face challenges in expanding housing due to aging infrastructure and overburdened facilities. The Housing Infrastructure Production Fund provides loans, forgivable loans, and grants for transportation and essential utilities connected to housing projects. Administered by Business Oregon, the program works with other funding sources to support infrastructure improvements. Governor Kotek stated, "Securing enough funds for projects like those is a big lift for communities – but you simply cannot build a house without running water," as stated by the Governor's Office.
