Far West

Oregon will issue more than $100 million in state bonds to keep the Elliott State Forest in public hands and another $50 million to help the University of Oregon build a new science complex named after its most famous graduate.

Oregon says its mileage-based road fee experiment proved the VMT concept is a viable revenue option.

Initial budget documents from the city of Moscow, Idaho, for next year indicate the staff is recommending the City Council seek a $10 million bond, plus increase the property tax levy and raise rates for water and sewer service.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a budget avoiding a shutdown at the last possible moment.

Orange County is out of the woods, but other California governments face challenges.

California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a $125 billion budget.

A $60.5 million bond would cover costs of rebuilding much of Clarkston High School as well as making improvements to other schools in the Clarkston School District.

Othello School Board members will decide sometime in July whether or not to submit a construction bond.

California lawmakers have approved a plan to borrow up to $6 billion to prepay pension obligations.

Laura Whittall-Scherfee will direct a California agency that finances affordable housing.