2020 Agenda - Oregon Infrastructure Summit

2020 Agenda Details

Track A

Brownfields

Working with Attorneys - Understanding the Legal Perspective

Details:

How to coordinate and work with attorneys to assure a successful brownfields redevelopment, including the roles of the EPA Region 10 Brownfields Program attorney, the Oregon Department of Justice, and private attorneys. Topics covered will include navigating legal requirements to qualify for Brownfields grants, legal risk management tools, and how best to use them, how to complete the necessary transactions as cost-effectively as possible, and representing local governments in brownfields acquisitions.

Moderator:

David Ashton, Assistant General Counsel, Port of Portland

Speakers:

Kelly Cole, Assistant Regional Counsel, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Region 10
Gary Vrooman, Attorney, Oregon Department of Justice
David Rabbino, Attorney & Shareholder, Jordan Ramis PC

A Discussion - Dealing with Emerging Contaminants

Details:

A discussion of the management of brownfields sites with emerging contaminants, including an overview of emerging contaminants; what are they, where are they found and how are they managed in the environment; how the State of Oregon identifies and manages the presence of emerging contaminants; and legal strategies that might be considered in the redevelopment of a site where emerging contaminants are present.

Moderator:

Sean Ragain, Geosyntec Consultants

Speakers:

Dan Hafley, Department of Environmental Quality
James Peale, Geosyntec Consultants
Laura Kerr, Stoel Rives, LLP

From Dump to Community Asset – Landfill Redevelopment Projects in Oregon

Details:

Developable urban properties are at a premium and landfills can present valuable opportunities for infill on otherwise forgotten land. Landfills involve complex environmental, geotechnical, legal, and design engineering issues. This panel discussion will present landfill redevelopment projects in Oregon and will describe processes to re-imagine our trash heaps as thriving developments. Join us to discuss several case studies focusing on landfill redevelopment projects where you will learn about the feasibility of landfill redevelopment, redevelopment tools, construction cost considerations and ongoing obligations.

Moderator:

Coming soon.

Speakers:

Coming soon.

Landbanks, Build Act, Opportunity Zones

Details:

Two of the many tools that can be key in incentivizing brownfield redevelopment are Landbanks and Opportunity Zones. This session will describe tool applications and successful Oregon case studies.

Speakers:

Leonard Farr, Principle Geologist, Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
Coni S. Rathbone, Attorney, Dunn Carney Allen Higgins & Tongue LLP
Jon Legarza, Interim Economic Development Manager, Clackamas County

Take Control of Brownfield Reuse with Institutional and Engineering Controls

Details:

Think redeveloping a contaminated brownfield must mean a costly, time-consuming cleanup? Not necessarily! Oregon’s risk-based cleanup rules provide options for efficiently and cost-effectively bringing brownfields back into use while protecting human health and the environment. Institutional controls such as land and groundwater use restrictions and engineering controls such as soil caps and groundwater migration barriers can help. When are these controls appropriate? How do you work with the DEQ to set up and maintain them? What are the long-term operation and maintenance requirements and considerations? Will these site restrictions impact potential buyers or site operators?

Join us to learn how institutional and engineering controls can be part of your brownfield reuse success story.

Facilitators:

Lon Yandell, Principal Geologist, GeoDesign
Rebecca Wells-Albers, Northwest Region Brownfield Coordinator and Project Manager, OR DEQ

Speakers:

Carrie Rackey, Senior Associate Project Manager, Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
Don Hanson, Western Region Hydrogeologist and Project Manager, OR DEQ
Nitin Joshi, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs Manager, City of Salem
Clint Dameron, Real Property Services Manager, Urban Development Department, City of Salem

Rural Brownfield Educational Initiatives: Creating Future Leaders

Details:

Baker Technical Institute and Eastern Oregon University are working together to develop future leaders intent on overcoming the many challenges that rural communities face through project-based learning. Come learn about these unique programs and their successes and aspirations in brownfield redevelopment.

Speakers:

Leonard Farr, Principle Geologist, Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
Shannon Donovan, Sustainable Rural Systems Program Faculty, Eastern Oregon University
Robbie Langrell, Brownfield Technical Director, Baker Technical Institute

Track B

Recovery Investment

Financing the Future of Water Quality

Details:

The goal is to inform elected leaders and public works directors about how to access affordable loans and grants for water quality infrastructure projects, what kind of projects are eligible for funding, and what requirements to expect. This panel is comprised of state and federal financing program representatives who will discuss their agencies’ processes, timelines, and requirements.

Moderator:

Jon Unger, Program & Policy Coordinator, Business Oregon

Speakers:

Oscar Orejel, Loan Specialist, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Jason Carman, Rural Development Specialist, Rural Community Assistance Corp.
Chris Laughton, Loan Technician, USDA – Rural Development

Opportunities with Oregon Public Ports - Drivers of Regional Economies

Details:

This session aims to re-educate the economic development community about the modern role of public ports in Oregon, and how port districts affect regional economies. Beyond situational awareness, the audience would take away instruction about how to match business initiatives with port resources and make an economic development deal.

Moderator:

Coming soon!

Speakers:

Andrea Klaas, Executive Director, Port of the Dalles
Olga Kaganova, Deputy General Manager, Port of Cascade Locks
Doug Hayes, Executive Director, Port of Columbia County
Michele Bradley, General Manager, Port of Tillamook Bay
Bud Shoemake, Port Manager, Port of Toledo
John Burns, Chief Executive Officer, Port of Coos Bay

Metro Employment Land Site Readiness Toolkit

Details:

Longstanding and costly challenges, such as lack of infrastructure and fragmented ownership, have hindered the development of many employment sites across the Portland region and state. Metro, the Port of Portland and Greater Portland Inc teamed up to look nationally for innovative new tools, create new tools to address real estate finance challenges, make recommendations for strengthening tools we already have, and test out these tools on real sites in the Portland region. This project also took the important step of providing process guidance and policy ideas for local jurisdictions to include equity in the planning, policy-making, and investments related to employment lands.

Speakers:

Ken Anderton, Senior Manager of Real Estate Development, Port of Portland
Jeff Raker, Economic Development Planner, United States Department of Agriculture
Alex Joyce, Managing Partner, Cascadia Partners LLC

Partnership Discussion - Modernizing Oregon Public Ports (SESSION CANCELLED)

Details: THIS SESSION HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO LAST MINUTE SPEAKER UNAVAILABILITY

The session will open with a story about a day in the life of a port manager, as she walks through operations of a modern port and reflects on how things used to be in 2020. The succinct story will provide an overview of the typical operations/needs Oregon’s public ports have in order to transform into a modern-day port.

Moderator:

Speaker(s):

Stephanie Prybyl, Ports Programming, Business Oregon
Mark Landauer, Executive Director, Oregon Public Ports Association

Financing Your Project

Details:

Projects don’t get done without financing. This panel will discuss the array of private and public financing options for infrastructure available to municipal entities and present advantages and disadvantages of public vs. private financing.

Moderator:

Rich Rodriguez, Public Finance Officer, Business Oregon

Speakers:

Matt Donahue, Managing Director, D.A. Davidson & Co.
Dean Stephens, SVP – Commercial Banking Center Manager, Umpqua Bank
Dennis Knight, Public Finance Officer, Business Oregon
Kathy Estes, Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Specialist, Oregon DEQ
Ella Nichols, Community Programs Specialist, USDA – Rural Development, Community Programs
Andrew Face, Municipal Finance Vice President, The Commerce Bank of Oregon

Improving Oregon’s Critical Infrastructure

Details:

In 2019, Oregon received a C- grade for its infrastructure, a mediocre score at best. Oregon does not fund infrastructure, nor maximize investment potentials, at levels to sufficiently maintain this grade or to mitigate natural and man-made hazards. Consequently, intentional long-term and strategic engagement are needed. Our hope is you’ll join us to explore new and innovative ways to link, leverage, and align investments with statewide economic development priorities that sustain and ultimately improve Oregon’s infrastructure and economy. This will be a facilitated discussion with interactive breakout groups.

Moderator:

Josh Bruce, Associate Director of Applied Research, University of Oregon

Speakers:

William Sullivan, Master of Public Administration Candidate
Gareth Warr, Master of Community and Regional Planning Candidate

Track C

Adaptation & Resiliency

Wetlands 101

Details:

DSL staff will cover topics including: What exactly is a “wetland” and how do wetlands come to be identified on a property? What is the permitting process for a proposed development if identified wetlands on a property cannot be avoided? What changes in wetland regulation are on the horizon?

Speakers:

Dana Hicks, Policy & Planning Unit Manager, Oregon Department of State Lands
Kirk Jarvie, Regional Field Operations Manager, Oregon Department of State Lands
Grey Wolf, Jurisdiction Coordinator, Oregon Department of State Lands

Broadband - Telework-Health-Education

Details:

The COVID-19 pandemic has helped us recognize and increase awareness of broadband as essential infrastructure, and the current status of broadband in Oregon. This session will explore current Oregon public policy and initiatives.

Moderator:

Chris Tamarin, Oregon Broadband Office, Business Oregon

Speakers:

Joseph Franell, President, Blue Mountain Networks and Eastern Oregon Telecom
John Holman, General Field Representative, United State Department of Agriculture – Rural Utilities Services

Infrastructure for Living: Three Brownfields Projects' Path to Laying the Groundwork

Details:

Join us as we explore the paths taken by the City of St. Helens, Hacienda CDC, and Innovative Housing, Inc. to successfully take advantage of funding, partnerships, and creative solutions for develpment vacant and/or blighted properties that have impacted the safety and livability of their community. Learn how these properties support a new vision now and in the future by adding value, economic revitalization, and sustainability in the community.

Moderator:

Jennifer Casler, Senior Associate geologist, Hart Crowser

Speakers:

John Walsh, City Administrator, City of St. Helens
Juie Garver, Director of Housing Development, Innovative Housing, Inc.
Kevin Kellog, Director of Development, Hacienda CDC

Asset Management - Why It Matters and How To Do It

Details:

This session will highlight the fundamentals of asset management and the importance of asset management in capital improvement planning, budgeting, and system sustainability. The session will address how asset management is a best practice as well as related to agency requirements and funding programs, including the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

Speaker:

Chris Marko, Program Analyst, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Exploring Hazard Mitigation Assistance for Communities

Details:

An overview of HMA grant programs with an emphasis on FEMA’s recently launched Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and the State’s Special Public Works Fund (SPWF).

Speakers:

Amy Bashant, State Hazard Mitigation Officer, Oregon Office of Emergency Management
Becky Baxter, Program and Policy Coordinator, Business Oregon

Using the Clean Water SRF for Stormwater and Brownfields

Details:

The DEQ Clean Water SRF is working with Coos Bay through Nonpoint Source Sponsorship Options loans to help enable brownfield clean-up and improve stormwater infrastructure at several locations. This panel discussion will highlight 2 high priority sites where loan funds will support remediation and installation of stormwater runoff infrastructure to improve water quality and support local economic health.

Moderator:

Chris Marko, Program Analyst, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Speakers:

Jennifer Wirsing, Wastewater Project Engineer, City of Coos Bay
Bryn Toms, Hydrogeologist, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Rebecca Kramer, Project Officer, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Track D

Small Communities

Financing Solutions for Septic Systems (Pt 1)

Details:

Failing septic systems are a significant risk to water quality statewide. DEQ has well over 300,000 permits for residential septic systems. With repair or replacement costing anywhere from a few hundred dollars to as much as $4,000, communities are challenged with helping low-income residents pay for needed upgrades in order to protect water quality. This session offers an overview of septic system challenges statewide and discuses affordable loans and grants available to public agencies.

Moderator:

Tracy Rainey, Intergovernmental Relations Associate, League of Oregon Cities

Speakers:

Lindsey Cromsigt, Project Engineer, City of Bend
Susan Julber, Senior Project & Policy Analyst, City of Bend

Adaptive Water Strategies for Small Cities

Details:

This will be a moderated panel discussion with two small cities that have faced water shortage and have taken steps to plan for an adaptive future. To complement this discussion, we will hear from the Oregon Association of Water Utilities with some practical advice for small cities.

Speakers:

Rochelle Roaden, City Manager, City of Dayton
Michael Thomas, City Administrator, City of Amity
Heath Cokeley, Programs Manager, Oregon Association of Water Utilities

Financing Solutions for Septic Systems (Pt 2)

Details:

Part 2 of the earlier session highlights federal, state, and local financing programs to address failing septic systems, with advice on setting up a new program.

Moderator:

Tracy Rainey, Intergovernmental Relations Associate, League of Oregon Cities

Speakers:

Ken Williams, USDA – Rural Development
Eann Rains, Clackamas County Soil and Water Conservation District
Nancy Toth, Eugene Water & Electric Board

CDBG and Rural Infrastructure - City of Antelope Water System

Details:

Join us in an experience sharing by City of Antelope and their team in their project journey on their water improvement projects that was funded by Community Development Block Grant Program. This session will help in understanding all the components needed to make a successfully completed federally funded project. From project development, the importance of building your team in managing your project to the importance of strong partnership with funding agencies in overcoming hurdles along the way.

Moderator:

Edward Hodges, Project Engineer, Curran-McLeod

Speakers:

Jacque Schei, Grant Administrator, Mid–Columbia Economic Development District
Robin Moats, Finance Officer, City of Antelope
Rena Schoen, Program and Policy Coordinator, Business Oregon
Fumi Schaadt, Program and Policy Coordinator, Business Oregon
Arthur Chaput, Regional Project Manager, Business Oregon

Get Ready Oregon - Climate Change Adaptation Framework

Details:

The Framework will explore the risks and vulnerabilities of climate change in Oregon and identify how State agencies can most effectively respond.

Speaker:

Christine Shirley, Climate Change Resilience Coordinator, Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development

Urban EV Charging

Details:

Cities tackling climate change recognize the need to electrify everything that moves. This panel will lay out the unique opportunity U.S Cities have to lead the charge and discuss the importance of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure to promote the adoption of cleaner forms of transportation.

Moderator:

Jeanette Shaw, Senior Director of Policy, Forth

Speakers:

Shanna Brownstein, Senior Manager, Transportation Electrification, PGE
Jacob Sherman, E-Scooter Pilot Project Manager & New Mobility Analyst, PBOT
Catharine Brookes, Program Manager, EVgo

Track E

Brownfields

Building Capacity through Community Engagement

Details:

Meaningful engagement of community is more important than ever, as government partners work to develop more impactful public investments and address past inequities. Learning what works best for community, from community members themselves, is critical to understanding how public engagement can have a positive impact on participants and project outcomes. This session will showcase different approaches to engagement, specifically leadership development and education, with a focus on empowering the community to step into the role of implementer.

Speaker:

Chris Laughton, Loan Technician, USDA – Rural Development

Going Green - Envisioning Green Space Redevelopment for a Healthier Future

Details:

Community health and resilience are greatly influenced by our natural, built, and social environments. Brownfields and land reuse sites are unique opportunities to transform these environments to better support health and community resilience in underserved communities. Revitalizing brownfields can prevent exposure to hazardous substances, resolve neighborhood blight, increase community connectivity, restore ecological balance, and promote physical activity and recreation. Green space redevelopment is now more important than ever as our climate is changing and we collectively seek safe, accessible spaces to gather and recreate amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This session will examine the dynamic relationship between brownfield redevelopment, climate change social resilience, and health.

Speakers:

Julie Sifuentes, Environmental Public Health Assessment Program Manager, Oregon Health Authority
Courtney Fultinner, Environmental Public Health Assessment Program Manager, Oregon Health Authority

Superfund Redevelopment - The Star of the Universe in Reuse!

Details:

Join us for all the exciting new updates in Superfund site redevelopment, including new federal liability protections for local governments and tenants, and the constellation of tools available to support reuse. We’ll also learn about RestorCap’s inspiring redevelopment efforts in the Portland Harbor Superfund site at the Linnton Plywood Mill property.

Moderator:

Kat West, Senior Associate, Skeo Solutions, Inc.

Speakers:

Jim McKenna, Portland Harbor Superfund Site Analyst, Office of the Governor – Natural Resources Office
Margaret Olson, Oregon Brownfields and RCRA State Coordinator, U.S. EPA, Region 10
Aaron Courtney, Attorney-Partner, Stoel Rives

Three Project Profiles towards Redevelopment

Details:

Come learn how the Cities of John Day, Troutdale, and Sherwood each took on the challenges of redeveloping key brownfields properties as part of a their larger community vision and goals.

Moderator:

Karen Homolac, Brownfields Specialist, Business Oregon

Speakers:

Chris Damgen, Community Development Director – City of Troutdale
Graeme Taylor, Project Manager – Stantec
Nicholas Green, City Manager – City of John Day
Julia Hajduk, Community Development Director – City of Sherwood

What's Happening Statewide with Brownfields ``7-minute Snapshot`` Style!

What's Happening Statewide with Brownfields ``7-Minute Snapshot`` Style!

Details:

Consistently rated the best session of the bi-annual Oregon Brownfields Conference, the Lightning Round is back for 2020! The switch to virtual platform cannot stop the most entertaining and fast-paced presentations from some of Oregon’s young, emerging professionals. Speakers will highlight their work and their communities in 7-minute “20 slides x 20 seconds” format presentations. No need for a coffee break – this stimulating session will get you excited for what’s happening around the state.

Moderators:

Jenn Bildersee, City of Portland
Seth Otto, Maul Foster Alongi

Speakers:

Courtney Fultineer, Oregon Health Authority
Jodi Mescher, City of Lincoln City
Madison Sander-Curry, Environmental Protection Agency
Candice Loveland, City of Portland
Keith Ziobron, Cardno

Dana Domenighini. Maul Foster Alongi. A Mill Town Revitalization Through the Eyes of a Local Environmental Professional

Jennifer Dimsho. City of St. Helens. St. Helens: Riverfront Brownfields

A Meet and Greet - What and Who EPA Grantees Need to Know

Details:

Join EPA and ODEQ Brownfield Project Managers in a lively discussion of strategies for managing your EPA brownfields grant.

Moderator:

Margaret Olson, Environmental Engineer, US EPA Region 10
Rebecca Wells-Albers, Regional Brownfields Coordinator, Oregon DEQ

Speakers:

Melissa Winters, Chief, Pollution Prevention and Communities Branch, US EPA
Mary Camarata, Regional Brownfields Coordinator, Oregon DEQ
Susan Morales, Brownfields Coordinator, US EPA Region 10
Karen Homolac, Brownfields Program Specialist, Business Oregon
Brandon Perkins, Assessment Manager, US EPA Region 10