Oregon spending 50k from school fund on failed homeless camp cleanup along Sandy River

The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) spent over $50,000 on an unsuccessful cleanup of homeless camps at the Sandy River Delta, prompting significant scrutiny. Contractors NW HazMat and NW Enforcement Inc. charged the state $50,408 for their work, which faced immediate backlash from protesters, leading to Governor Tina Kotek pausing the efforts. Kotek emphasized the need to ensure safety and reassess necessary resources for effective cleanup and relocation efforts. Documents revealed that DSL proceeded with the cleanup despite awareness of local law enforcement's refusal to assist, raising questions about the allocation of funds from the Common School Fund.

The cleanup was expected to cost around $350,000, potentially diverting resources from other projects or educational funding. Invoices indicated that contractors removed over 21 tons of waste, yet estimates suggest 200-300 tons remain unaddressed. DSL manages state land cleanup through self-generated revenue, which is crucial for funding Oregon schools. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness and environmental restoration in the region.