Lawmakers in Oregon have approved more than $42 million in bonds that would help fund new development and long-term expansion at the Oregon State University-Cascades campus in Bend, Oregon.
The funding was included in a bill passed during the recent short legislative session by the Oregon Legislature. The measure still requires approval from Tina Kotek, Oregon’s governor.
Campus leaders say the investment will support both a new student recreation and health center and environmental cleanup work that will prepare additional land for future development.
“This will be a transformative moment for the campus,” said Sherm Bloomer, chancellor and dean of the OSU-Cascades campus. He explained that the funding will help address environmental remediation at a site that previously included an old landfill and a historic pumice mining area.
Land cleanup to support future growth
Part of the bond funding will be used to clean up approximately 24 acres of land and reshape areas on the west side of the campus. According to Bloomer, the project could make roughly 90 acres available for development, allowing the university to expand over the next two decades.
University officials estimate the new space could eventually accommodate 4,000 to 5,000 students.
Plans include recreation center and student housing
The first major project expected to move forward is a student health and recreation center, which will provide wellness, fitness and recreational facilities for students.
Funding for the building will also include $20 million already approved by student government through student fees.
After the recreation center is completed, the university plans to focus on student housing—especially for first-year students—followed by additional academic buildings.
Construction timeline
Bloomer noted that environmental remediation will take several years, meaning construction on the recreation and health center is unlikely to begin before 2028.
University leaders say the project is a significant step toward accommodating future enrollment growth while improving campus facilities.
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