‘Extraordinary opportunity’
Ocean danger
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022
VOL. 131, NO. 16 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891
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Bike riding with a purpose LAUREY WHITE Chief Guest Article
Eighteen young cyclists from across the country pedaling for progress stopped in Clatskanie at the end of a 4,000-mile trek, traveling to raise awareness for affordable housing. The young adults are part of an organization named Bike & Build, which was started in 2003 by Mark Bush, who had been part of a similar organization.
Our job is to inspire people to create solutions to the housing crisis. ~ Juan Avalos, Bike & Build cyclist
“Our job is to inspire people to create solutions to the housing crisis,” group leader and cyclist Juan Avalos said. “Not only to help the communities we bike to, but to encourage young people to live a life engaging in all sorts of civic activities.” The Bike & Build website states that the riders are ambassadors for the affordable housing cause. “Riders prepare presentations for the various church congregations and other community mem-
Courtesy photo from Han John Tse
Bike & Build cyclists spend time on their journey assisting local communities in constructing affordable housing.
bers who may host them overnight or for a meal in order to talk a little bit about the cause and why they are dedicating their summer to this cause,” the Bike & Build website states. “In communities through which they pass, riders talk to local
residents and spread the message of what it means to pedal for affordable housing.” Each summer cyclists complete numerous pre-planned cross-country trips. Their ages range from 18 – 29 and the cycling groups can have
to 36 members. They work closely with Habitat for Humanity and other local organizations, helping build or completing much needed repairs. The housing crisis has become even more evident since the
pandemic, with 30% of households having unaffordable rent or mortgage payments, according to cyclist Zoe Verzani.
See BIKERS Page A6
‘Alarming trend’ as fatal traffic crashes rise • Hwy 97 in Deschutes County • Hwy 97 in Klamath County • Hwy 58 in Lane County • 1-5 in Douglas County
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
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atal traffic crashes in Oregon have increased significantly, according to Oregon State Police (OSP). “We have seen an alarming trend in fatal crashes across Oregon,” OSP Lt. Steve Mitchell told the Chief. 2-Year statewide trend Mitchell said his agency has seen the increase in fatal traffic crashes over the past two years. OSP documents show the number of fatal crashes: • 2019 = 195 • 2020 = 200 • 2021 = 234 Over the years, law enforcement reports have listed the cause of many of the fatal crashes as one vehicle crossing over the centerline of the roadway. The Chief asked Mitchell what OSP reconstruction of the deadly crashes reveal as the cause of the crashes. Is it driver fatigue, medi-
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OSP investigators said driving habits contribute to most of all motor vehicle crashes.
cal issue, attention failure, texting, eating? “There is no easy way to narrow down specific reasons for distracted driving,” Mitchell said. “All the things you mention in the question are causes of Lane Usage crashes.” The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has a website for crash reports and statis-
tics. View the site at https://www. oregon.gov/odot/Data/Pages/Crash. aspx. Crash locations Mitchell said there are specific areas of the state where OSP is seeing an uptick in fatal crashes. Below are the highways OSP has
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
“There are numerous variables that can cause crashes in particular geographical locations,” Mitchell said. “It could be increased traffic volume, a long weather event and motorists committing traffic violations that lead to crashes in a particular area.” Mitchell said the largest contributor to the fatal traffic crashes is speed and driving on the wrong side of the road. State troopers and partner public safety agencies focus on what is called the Fatal 5 driving behaviors, which Mitchell said contributes to most of all motor vehicle crashes. The Fatal 5 driving habits:
seen the most fatal crashes during the same timeframe (2019 – 2021):
• Speed • Occupant safety • Lane safety • Impaired driving • Distracted driving
• I-5 and Hwy 99 in Jackson County • Hwy 199 in Josephine County • I-5 and Hwy 99 in Marion County • Hwy 211 and Hwy 224 in Clackamas County
See CRASHES Page A6
Oregon gets $83.5 million for small businesses
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STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
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Contact The Chief Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 chiefnews@countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051
Metro Creative Connection
For information about how local businesses can access the federal funding, contact Business Oregon or the Columbia County Economic Team.
Small businesses in Clatskanie, Columbia County and across the state could soon get a federal financial boost. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has approved Oregon’s application for $83.5 million under the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). President Biden’s American Rescue Plan reauthorized and expanded SSBCI, which was originally established in 2010 and was highly successful in increasing access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs, according to a release from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The new SSBCI builds on this successful model by providing nearly $10 billion to states, the District of Columbia, territories, and Tribal governments to increase access to capital and promote entrepreneurship, especially in traditionally underserved communities as they emerge from the
pandemic. SSBCI funding is expected to catalyze up to $10 of private investment for every $1 of SSBCI capital funding, amplifying the effects of this funding and providing small business owners with the resources they need to sustainably grow and thrive, the release states. State governments submitted plans how they would us the SSBCI allocations to the U.S. Treasury Department. Reaction “This is an historic investment in entrepreneurship, small business growth, and innovation through the American Rescue Plan that will help reduce barriers to capital access for traditionally underserved communities including those in rural areas,” Secretary of the U.S. Treasury Janet L. Yellen said. Oregon U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden said
See FINANCE Page A6