Reversal: House passes Metolius protections bill

The Oregon House passes a bill declaring the Metolius River basin a Critical Area of Statewide Concern.

SALEM -- In a stunning reversal from last week, the Oregon House on Monday passed a bill declaring the Metolius River basin a Critical Area of Statewide Concern.

The 31-28 vote sends House Bill 3298 on to Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who has fought to get it passed.

In brief and a fairly unemotional 10-minute debate, Rep. Larry Galizio, D-Tigard, said he had changed his mind and supported the bill. Galizio said he was convinced following a "convincing" phone call from the governor and "an outpouring" of letters and other contacts from the public.

Kulongoski had moved to create the new protections after developers launched plans for two new destination resorts near the river.