Commission to consider ODFW budget at July 16 meeting

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet in Salem on Friday, July 16 to review and approve the proposed ODFW budget request for the 2011-2013 biennium.

The meeting will begin at 1:00 pm. at ODFW Headquarters, 3406 Cherry Ave. NE.

The Commission will be asked to approve a proposed $311 million two-year budget for the agency. The proposed budget will then be submitted to the Governor and Department of Administrative Services for review. The Governor will make the final budget recommendation to the legislature.

ODFW gets approximately 7 percent of its revenue from general or lottery funds. The bulk of its operating revenues come from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and tags, and from federal programs.

The budget being considered by the Commission was developed with significant public input. A 40-member External Budget Advisory Committee, comprised of members of the public who have been engaged in agency issues, met frequently with agency leaders. In addition, ODFW hosted a series of 11 town hall meetings throughout the tate.

The Commission is the policy-making body for fish and wildlife issues in the state. The seven-member panel meets monthly. Agenda item exhibits may be requested by calling the ODFW Director’s Office at 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6044.

Public testimony will be the first agenda item Friday afternoon followed immediately by the budget presentation. Persons seeking to testify on issues not on the formal agenda may do so by making arrangements with he ODFW Director’s Office, at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, by calling 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6044.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed for individuals requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing these types of accommodations may call the ODFW Director’s Office at 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6044 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

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