As The World reports, plans to privatize hundreds of millions of dollars of public money continue unabated despite the controversy surrounding various component parts, including the SCCF (South Coast Community Foundation). The euphemistically named “Community Enhancement Plan” or CEP requires four enterprise zone sponsors to approve an extended fifteen year property tax abatement to the proposed Jordan Cove LNG export terminal. Amongst the confusion and the recent resignation of the SCCF founding directors is whether or not the county, one of the zone sponsors, has officially joined the foundation, ratified the bylaws and approved the triad (since resigned) and whether any action taken by the triad is legal. See the video below about whether a vote taken in a work session but not ratified by the county commission suffices to confirm the county’s involvement. No wonder the public is confused.
Focusing on the components of the CEP may be a waste of time, however, as the larger plan requires the approval of all four zone sponsors before any of the pieces, the SCCF or the newly dubbed “Waterfront Revitalization” force move forward. The World notes that in order for the plan to proceed an agreement must be reached prior to start of construction.
Several people have criticized the four sponsor entities and work groups for rushing the process, saying the CEP doesn’t need to be solidified yet since Jordan Cove won’t begin paying community service fees until 2016.
But in fact, according to Oregon Revised Statutes 285C.400-420 — “Long Term Tax Incentives For manager (CCD Business Development Corporation), the county assessor and the Oregon Department of Revenue before Jordan Cove can even break ground.
If the company is in the midst of construction, it loses its chance to apply for the property tax exemption — and the entire CEP dies.
The interesting thing about this is that it appears Jordan Cove has already “broken ground”. In an email to Commission Bob Main, a Coos County citizen notes that construction has already commenced and provided photos to support their claim.
Good Morning Bob,
This is just a follow up on our conversation in the Commissioners Office June 5, 2014. As you must remember I gave you a copy of this pipe line agreement with high lighting of Article 1, Definitions, 1.1 ” Construction is Commenced” means to begin on-site construction or on site modifications, including site clearing, grading, dredging, or land fill. I also brought up Article II, Prepayment For Interruptible Transportation, 2.3 Interruptible Transportation Prepayments. where it is stated that Jorden Cove shall pay Coos County an additional $200,000. due if and when Construction is Commenced on an LNG facility within the boundaries of Coos County, Oregon.
I also stated that Construction had begun with land clearing, and slurry pond and road construction. Since this now requires Jorden Cove to make a $200,000 payment to the County Pipe Line Fund I am formally requesting a full accounting of all payments since this agreement was signed 8/31/07.
Thank you for your time looking into this matter.
My sources say equipment used to do this work, some owned by West Coast Contractors*, has since been moved to other locations on the property but if this qualifies as commencing construction then the CEP is already doomed.
Meanwhile, star of the ruby slipper video, Brooke Walton, has been named to replace Elise Hamner as the Port of Coos Bay’s new communications director. I wonder if she will call us “antis” on camera again.
*West Coast Contractors is owned by David Kronsteiner, Chairman of the Port of Coos Bay Commission.
So yes, it looks like they ARE turning LOTS of dirt. What can We do about it? Who do we need to talk to, which dept., state or Feds? Why are we talking and not doing something about it. Perhaps Jody can tell us who to call. If they have broken the agreement, then bust their sorry arses.
Well, the argument will likely be they are just taking the required core samples, a precursor to construction. But who knows, that road looks like a real road to me.
First, I wasted time watching the video. Add that to the collection of videos that demonstrate that Cribbins is over her head and survives as commissioner because she got the female vote – and those females meant well – a qualified female on the board is good.
Second, a blind man could see that those large cranes etc. were working for weeks. What else would we call it if not commencing work solely required by Jordan Cove Energy.
And yes, anybody who read the proposed Enterprise Zone agreement posted by the World paper on the 24th, and then went to cited ORS, knows that all agreements re tax relief must be in place before one shovel of dirt is moved. That’s probably why the rush to agree upon documents that are poorly written. And our negotiating teams across the county cant see what they are doing. Main and mgx are alone not asleep at the switch