The Oregon Legislature again played the role of early Santa Claus as the 2021 session adjourned, with plenty of projects in Eastern Oregon funded.
Both houses passed House Bill 5006 â the Christmas Tree Bill that provides the funding for a collection of projects for local legislators to bring back to their districts.
Umatilla City Manager David Stockdale said the city is planning to use the $1.8 million allotted to Umatilla in the bill to create the Minority Entrepeneurial Development & Business Center. The approximately 21,000-square-foot center will be created by adding on to and remodeling the former post office building on Sixth Street next to city hall. He called it a one stop shop for business in Umatilla.