Oregon will spend $300 million in construction bond funding for seismic updates on public buildings.
The funds are included in the legislature’s $1.2 billion capital construction budget. Sen. Peter Courtney, the state’s Senate president, said the allotment for seismic updates is more than lawmakers have ever put toward such projects, according to the Portland Business Journal.
“We know there will be a major quake. We know too many of our schools will collapse," Courtney said. "These funds will help us fix our schools. These funds will save children’s lives.”
The bond funding plan dedicates $175 million for the Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program, a program that helps make at-risk schools safer in the event of a major earthquake.
A 2007 Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries survey found that more than 1,000 Oregon school buildings face a high risk of collapse during earthquakes.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2021
Three new laws expected to spur more affordable housing in California
Trio of measures could aid carbon reduction in built environment.
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2021
New program to promote mass timber construction launched in Boston
City’s planning and development agency to award grants for projects in early-stage planning.
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2021
Intl. Code Council publishes EV and building codes resource
Assists communities in setting policies for electric vehicle charging requirements.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2021
Feds award $1 billion to renovate health centers
Funds will modernize existing infrastructure and cover other COVID-19-related capital needs.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2021
Boston City Council approves mandate for major emissions cuts for large buildings
Applies to buildings 20,000 sf or larger—about 4% of city’s buildings.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2021
HPD Collaborative and Green Seal to align standards
Will result in expanded options for manufacturers to enhance sustainability reporting and certifications.
Codes and Standards | Sep 30, 2021
U.S. has a deficit of 5 million homes
Builders unable to keep pace with demand.
Codes and Standards | Sep 29, 2021
Mass Timber group study will compare structural round timber to glulam products and steel
Will compare costs, capabilities, and carbon impacts of structural materials.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2021
Massachusetts creates Commission on Clean Heat
First-of-its kind body to set targets for buildings to reduce emissions from heating fuels.
Codes and Standards | Sep 27, 2021
Commercial real estate industry faces SEC climate disclosure regulations
Risks associated with climate change would have to be revealed.
