Oregon will spend $300 million in construction bond funding for seismic updates on public buildings.
The funds are included in the legislature’s $1.2 billion capital construction budget. Sen. Peter Courtney, the state’s Senate president, said the allotment for seismic updates is more than lawmakers have ever put toward such projects, according to the Portland Business Journal.
“We know there will be a major quake. We know too many of our schools will collapse," Courtney said. "These funds will help us fix our schools. These funds will save children’s lives.”
The bond funding plan dedicates $175 million for the Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program, a program that helps make at-risk schools safer in the event of a major earthquake.
A 2007 Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries survey found that more than 1,000 Oregon school buildings face a high risk of collapse during earthquakes.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 16, 2017
Big changes coming to Ontario building code
Proposals include solar-ready roofs, more stringent heating/cooling efficiency requirements, and graywater reuse.
Codes and Standards | Aug 15, 2017
ASHRAE certifications recognized by DOE as meeting Better Buildings Workforce Guidelines
Two of six such certifications are ASHRAE programs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 14, 2017
New edition of AISC Steel Construction Manual now available
Includes the 2016 Specification for Structural Steel Buildings.
Codes and Standards | Aug 10, 2017
AAMA releases updated Standard Test Method for Water Penetration Using Dynamic Pressure
The update applies to windows, curtain walls, and doors.
Codes and Standards | Aug 9, 2017
UpCodes aims to make researching building codes, regulations easier through searchable app
App currently includes building codes of 40 states and New York City.
Codes and Standards | Aug 8, 2017
3D printing industry working to implement standards for products, processes
Additive Manufacturing Standardization Collective (AMSC) will develop industry-wide additive manufacturing standards and specifications.
Codes and Standards | Aug 7, 2017
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat to create standards to measure floor area
The standards will examine existing codes and regulations to find where they are too broad or contentious.
Codes and Standards | Aug 3, 2017
ASID headquarters is first space in the world to earn both LEED and WELL Platinum Certification
Washington, D.C. office is showcase for top levels of the two standards.
Codes and Standards | Aug 2, 2017
OSHA to release web-based injury and illness reporting form on August 1st
Employers can use the application to submit forms electronically.
Codes and Standards | Aug 1, 2017
Zoning that restricts housing construction also dampens other economic development
Land use restrictions reduce U.S. GDP by 9% annually.