Oregon Code § 196.150·Enacted ·Last updated March 01, 2026
Statute Text
Compact provisions.
The Legislative Assembly of the State of Oregon hereby ratifies the Columbia
River Gorge Compact set forth below, and the provisions of such compact hereby
are declared to be the law of this state upon such compact becoming effective
as provided in Article III.
______________________________________________________________________________
A compact is
entered into by and between the states of Washington and Oregon, signatories
hereto, with the consent of the Congress of the United States of America,
granted by an Act entitled, The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act,
P.L. 99-663.
ARTICLE I
Columbia Gorge
Commission Established
a. The States of
Oregon and Washington establish by way of this interstate compact a regional
agency known as the Columbia River Gorge Commission. The commission established
in accordance with this compact shall have the power and authority to perform
all functions and responsibilities in accordance with the provisions of this
compact and of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act (the federal
Act), which is incorporated by this specific reference in this agreement. The
commissions powers shall include but not be limited to:
1. The power to
sue and be sued.
2. The power to
disapprove a land use ordinance enacted by a county if the ordinance is
inconsistent with the management plan, as provided in P.L. 96-663 §7(b)(3)(B).
3. The power to
enact a land use ordinance setting standards for the use of nonfederal land in
a county within the scenic area if the county fails to enact land use
ordinances consistent with the management plan, as provided in P.L. 99-663 §7(c).
4. According to
the provisions of P.L. 99-663 §10(c), the power to review all proposals for
major development action and new residential development in each county in the
scenic area, except urban areas, and the power to disapprove such development
if the commission finds the development is inconsistent with the purposes of
P.L. 99-663.
b. The commission
shall appoint and remove or discharge such personnel as may be necessary for
the performance of the commissions functions, irrespective of the civil
service, personnel or other merit system laws of any of the party states.
c. The commission
may establish and maintain, independently or in conjunction with any one or
more of the party states, a suitable retirement system for its full-time
employees. Employees of the commission shall be eligible for social security
coverage in respect of old age and survivors insurance provided that the
commission takes such steps as may be necessary pursuant to federal law to
participate in such program of insurance as a governmental agency or unit. The
commission may establish and maintain or participate in such additional
programs of employee benefits as may be appropriate.
d. The commission
shall obtain the services of such professional, technical, clerical and other
personnel as may be deemed necessary to enable it to carry out its functions
under this compact. The commission may borrow, accept, or contract for the
services of personnel from any state of the United States or any subdivision or
agency thereof, from any interstate agency, or from any institution, person,
firm or corporation.
e. Funds
necessary to fulfill the powers and duties imposed upon and entrusted to the
commission shall be provided as appropriated by the legislatures of the states
in accordance with Article IV. The commission may also receive gifts, grants,
endowments and other funds from public or private sources as may be made from
time to time, in trust or otherwise, for the use and benefit of the purposes of
the commission and expend the same or any income therefrom according to the
terms of the gifts, grants, endowments or other funds.
f. The commission
may establish and maintain such facilities as may be necessary for the
transacting of its business. The commission may acquire, hold and convey real
and personal property and any interest therein.
g. The commission
shall adopt bylaws, rules, and regulations for the conduct of its business, and
shall have the power to amend and rescind these bylaws, rules and regulations.
The commission shall publish its bylaws, rules and regulations in convenient form
and shall file a copy thereof and of any amendment thereto, with the
appropriate agency or officer in each of the party states.
ARTICLE II
The Commission
Membership
a. The commission
shall be made up of twelve voting members appointed by the states, as set forth
herein, and one non-voting member appointed by the U.S. Secretary of
Agriculture.
b. Each state
governor shall appoint the members of the commission as provided in the federal
Act (three members who reside in the State of Oregon, including one resident of
the scenic area, to be appointed by the Governor of Oregon, and three members
who reside in the State of Washington, including one resident of the sce
Plain English Explanation
This Oregon statute addresses Compact provisions. AI-powered analysis coming soon.
Key Points
01Part of Oregon statutory law
02Referenced as Oregon Code § 196.150
03Subject to legislative amendments
04Consult a licensed attorney for application to specific cases
Frequently Asked Questions
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