SALEM, Oregon – Oregon’s state legislature is currently the battleground for robust debate and public hearings centered on a proposed measure aimed at securing a significant investment in the state’s celebrated outdoor spaces. Referred to the statewide ballot for November 4, 2025, during the September 2024 legislative session, Measure 99, officially known as the Oregon Outdoor Access and Conservation Bond, seeks voter approval for a $300 million general obligation bond. The outcome of this legislative process and the subsequent statewide vote will determine the future trajectory of funding for state parks, trails, and conservation efforts across Oregon.
Understanding the Proposed Measure
At the core of the legislative discussion is the detailed allocation plan for the $300 million bond. The proposal earmarks funds across three primary categories designed to address pressing needs and expand public access to Oregon’s natural environment. The largest portion, $180 million, is designated for critical repair and maintenance of existing state park infrastructure. This funding aims to tackle deferred maintenance projects, upgrade facilities, and ensure the longevity of popular recreational sites that have experienced significant use.
Beyond maintenance, the bond proposes substantial investments in expanding Oregon’s protected lands and recreational opportunities. $70 million is allocated for critical land acquisition, a strategic move intended to conserve key natural areas, protect wildlife habitats, and secure public access points that are currently unavailable. An additional $50 million is set aside for developing new trails and access points across the state. This includes funding for specific, high-priority projects such as coastal trail expansion in Tillamook County and enhanced river access points throughout the Willamette Valley, initiatives poised to increase recreational capacity and improve connectivity within Oregon’s trail systems.
According to estimates provided by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department, the comprehensive funding package provided by the bond could support up to 150 specific projects statewide over the next five years, representing a transformative investment in the state’s outdoor recreation and conservation infrastructure.
Legislative Deliberation and Key Players
The legislative process currently unfolding in Salem involves intensive scrutiny of Measure 99. Public hearings are providing a platform for diverse voices to weigh in on the proposed bond’s merits and potential impacts. Much of this critical deliberation is occurring within the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, a powerful legislative body chaired by Senator Evelyn Chen. Senator Chen presides over sessions where proponents and opponents of the measure present testimony, outlining their perspectives and backing their arguments with data and constituent concerns.
The decision to refer this measure to the ballot underscores the legislature’s recognition of the significant public interest in Oregon’s outdoor resources and the need for substantial funding to maintain and enhance them. However, the specific mechanism – a general obligation bond – and its potential fiscal implications are subjects of careful consideration and debate among lawmakers and stakeholders.
Arguments For and Against
Testimonies presented before the Joint Committee on Ways and Means reveal the multifaceted nature of the debate surrounding the bond. Proponents, including representatives from groups such as the “Oregon Trails Alliance,” emphasize the wide-ranging benefits of investing in outdoor infrastructure. Their arguments often highlight the economic stimulus generated by outdoor recreation and tourism, asserting that investments in parks and trails translate into job creation, increased visitor spending, and enhanced quality of life for Oregon residents. They also stress the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect Oregon’s unique biodiversity and natural landscapes for future generations.
Conversely, the measure faces scrutiny and opposition from groups like “Citizens for Fiscal Prudence.” Their concerns primarily revolve around the potential tax impacts associated with a general obligation bond. While the bond itself is a form of borrowing repaid over time, the mechanism for repayment typically involves state general funds, which are derived from various tax revenues. “Citizens for Fiscal Prudence” argue for cautious fiscal management and raise questions about the long-term costs and potential burden on taxpayers, advocating for alternative funding mechanisms or a scaled-back approach to state spending. These contrasting viewpoints reflect the ongoing tension between the desire to invest in public goods and the imperative of fiscal responsibility.
Investing in Oregon’s Natural Heritage
The potential outcomes of the bond measure extend beyond simple infrastructure upgrades; they touch upon Oregon’s identity as a state defined by its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The planned investments aim to make Oregon’s outdoors more accessible to all residents and visitors, whether through repairing aging campgrounds, preserving coastal ecosystems, creating new hiking paths, or ensuring safe and easy access to rivers for fishing and boating.
Projects like the coastal trail expansion in Tillamook County seek to connect communities and provide breathtaking views along the state’s iconic coastline. Similarly, improved river access in the Willamette Valley would cater to anglers, paddlers, and those seeking riparian recreation closer to the state’s major population centers. These investments are framed by proponents as essential for maintaining Oregon’s status as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and for ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same access to nature that current residents value.
As the legislative debate continues, the focus remains on the details of how the $300 million would be utilized and the balance between ambitious investment goals and fiscal prudence. The testimonies, expert analysis, and public input gathered during these hearings will inform the final shape of the proposal as it moves towards the statewide ballot.
The November 4, 2025, election will ultimately place the decision in the hands of Oregon voters, who will weigh the demonstrated needs of the state’s outdoor infrastructure and conservation priorities against the financial implications of approving the Oregon Outdoor Access and Conservation Bond. The debate in the legislature today sets the stage for that crucial statewide decision.
