Foes of Bend’s planned natural gas appliance fee send out mailing, urge residents to oppose move

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A brochure now landing in Bend mailboxes strongly urges residents to speak out against the city’s plans to impose a “climate pollution fee” of up to $2,300 on natural gas appliances in new homes, part of an effort to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

“YOUR ENERGY CHOICE IS UNDER ATTACK IN BEND,” states the front of the mailing from the Northwest Coalition for Energy Choice, a group supported and apparently funded by the region’s natural gas industry.  

The mailing urges residents to “make your voice heard” and to “stand up for energy choice and sound science.” It claims the new fee would “deprive Bend residents of their freedom to choose and threaten energy reliability for local families.” 

The coalition asks residents to attend an April 22 city council meeting and to return an included postcard to Mayor Pro Tem Megan Perkins – who cast the lone no vote against the proposed fee in February’s 5-1 decision to move forward with its development.  

The postcard says the fee will worsen the city’s housing affordability crisis and “will not achieve carbon reductions in Bend; electrification does not equate to zero emissions.” 

The campaign also comes as Bend city councilors prepare to hold an electrification roundtable Wednesday at 4 p.m. Discussion topics include whether there should be exemptions from the fee on deed-restricted affordable housing, and whether to hold to a proposed effective date of Jan. 1, 2028. 

Wednesday’s council roundtable agenda, along with the staff presentation viewable below, includes presentations by Cascade Natural Gas, Pacific Power and Central Electric Cooperative.

Bend’s electrification policy web page says the city has been “investigating options to reduce community use and reliance on natural gas in homes and buildings as a way to achieve our climate action goals.”

City Councilor Steve Platt told KTVZ News on Monday he’s led the council effort to enact an electrification fee. He  pointed out that councilors did not set a much higher fee that would represent 100% of the total “Social Cost of Carbon,” a value set for each metric ton of carbon produced. That fee, he said, could have been added up to $12,000 feet on an average Bend home. 

“Heck, that would be close to a prohibition – so we chose not to do that,” Platt said.

City of Bend Electrification PresentationDownload

The Bend fee, which the council set at 20% of the total “social cost,” comes amid a nationwide debate over the future of natural gas, as local environmental goals and state mandates on electrification lead industry groups to push back, raising concerns over energy affordability, the impact on housing costs and supply, among other issues.  

Berkeley, California was the first U.S. city to ban gas hookups on new buildings, while in Oregon, Ashland last year imposed a fee that was estimated to add over $4,000 to the cost of a typical gas furnace. 

In Bend, Platt noted, the city not only set the fee at only 20% of the social cost of carbon, but it created three tiers that scale the fee, based on the size of a new home. It’s also setting fees at various levels, depending on the appliance and how much carbon they emit.  

The highest fee would be for a gas forced air furnace, which would have a $2,358 fee for new homes over 3,000 square feet. Add a gas water heater, stove, dryer and fireplace, and that Tier 3 fee would total $3,265. The Tier 1 total would be $1,415 for a home under 1,600 square feet, and $2,177 for an all-gas home in the middle Tier 2.  

The opposing coalition has teamed up with some unions sounding the alarm over the fee and its potential impact on business and industry. 

Platt, a physics teacher at Summit High, says he is a union member and has “spent a lot of time talking to the unions” about the planned fee. 

“I would say Bend is on the leading edge,” Platt said, noting that Ashland’s fee is “a little more one-size-fits-all.”

In Bend, he said, “If you decide to do a high-efficiency (electric) HVAC, there goes $1,400 off the top of that fee. … If you want a (gas-fired) fireplace or gas stovetop, it’s a couple hundred bucks.” 

Platt also noted “a state-level effort to clean up the electrical grid. The law says the state’s electrical grid has to be 80% clean by 2030 and 100% by 2040.” 

“You can debate whether or not we’re going to get there, but that’s what the law says,” he said. “As a civic leader and a planner, you make assumptions. Like when I was leading military campaigns, you have to make assumptions.” 

Based on current projections, Bend is going to need to add 80% more housing stock in the next 20 years, the city councilor noted. 

Platt acknowledged, ”Is there some additional up-front cost for a high-efficiency electric home? Our consultant says yes, perhaps $7,000 – all up front,” depending on the size of the home or builder. 

But he also pointed to a current Cascade Natural Gas rate hike request of 17% for the average residential customer, and noted projections of more rate hikes down the road. The utility says on its “Energy Choice” page, “Bans and limits to the use of natural gas may negatively impact energy reliability and affordability,” and has links that include the coalition.

Coincidentally, the city issued a news release Monday promoting its “Go Electric!” community workshops:

City of Bend Launches Go Electric! Community Workshop Series

The City of Bend is launching Go Electric!, a free community workshop series designed to help residents learn practical ways to reduce energy emissions, save money and create more comfortable homes.

Energy use, from heating and cooling homes to cooking food and powering transportation, is one of the largest sources of local climate pollution. Transitioning to efficient, electric solutions is a key strategy in Bend’s Community Climate Action Plan, and Go Electric! is designed to help community members understand how and why electrification matters.

Through interactive, in‑person and virtual workshops led by trusted local and statewide partners, Go Electric! breaks down electrification in clear, approachable terms. Participants will learn how electrification works, explore common misconceptions, and get connected to real‑world resources, incentives, and next steps.

“Go Electric! is about making the energy transition accessible and practical for everyone,” said City of Bend Management Analyst for Environment & Climate Megan Lee. “We want people to feel informed and supported as they explore options that can improve comfort in their homes while also benefiting our community and climate.”

All Go Electric! workshops are open to all community members. The series will launch with three workshops over the coming months:

Electrification 101

Learn what electrification really means, how it benefits individuals and the community, and what resources are available to help get started.

Wednesday, April 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

City of Bend Council Chambers (or join online via Zoom)

Speakers:

Brennan Breen, Energize Bend

Dan Cartmell, Electrify Oregon

Weatherization for income-Qualified Households

Learn about no‑ and low‑cost options like insulation, sealing and energy‑saving upgrades. Local experts will share information on available programs, eligibility and resources.

Wednesday, June 24, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Bend City Hall, Awbrey Butte Conference Room (or join online via Zoom)

Panelists:

Satya Austin-Opper, The Environmental Center

Thomas Elzinga, Central Electric Cooperative

Jessica Taylor, NeighborImpact

Efficiency and Comfort for Renters

Homeownership is not a requirement to achieve a more comfortable, affordable and energy-efficient living space. This session dives into real‑world electrification solutions for renters.

Thursday, July 23, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

City of Bend Council Chambers (or join online via Zoom)

Speakers:

Tim Davis, Elevate NP

Jessica Taylor, NeighborImpact

To learn more and register for the events, visit the Go Electric! workshop webpage.

More workshop topics will be rolled out in the coming months. Future topics will include federal and state energy incentives, whole home planning, EV basics and charging, and more.

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New Oregon airport federal funds include $3.45 million for Redmond terminal expansion, $300K for Prineville Airport

Barney Lerten

WASHINGTON (KTVZ – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley as well as U.S. Reps. Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas, Janelle Bynum and Maxine Dexter today announced Monday that more than 25 Oregon airports will receive a combined federal investment of more than $27 million to make their infrastructure safer and better.

“Oregonians rely on federal investments like these to support small businesses, emergency responses, and safe travel in communities across our state,” Wyden said. “I’ll keep battling for continued federal support for all airports in Oregon to keep our state’s residents and products moving smoothly and securely from point A to point B.”

“Our regional airports are vital hubs for Oregonians, supporting local businesses and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Merkley said. “Investing in critical airport improvements such as terminals, runways, and more strengthens infrastructure across our state. I’ll keep fighting to secure critical federal funds for improving the efficiency and reliability of Oregon’s airports, benefitting the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.”

“These investments across Oregon will help improve safety, modernize equipment and make these airports work better for everyone,” said Rep. Hoyle. “Reliability is essential for the economic growth of our coastal community. This funding is a win for the region.”

“Ensuring our airports have the resources and funding they need is vital to the safety of everyone at the airport,” said Rep. Salinas. “This federal grant funding will help make them safer, more reliable, and better equipped to continue serving our local community for years to come.”

“Federal investments like this are vital to keeping Oregon’s communities connected and our economy moving,” said Rep. Bynum. “This funding will expand travel access, boost local businesses, and strengthen our region’s ability to compete and grow. I will continue fighting to ensure our airports have the resources to thrive and better serve Oregonians.”

“The Hood River airport is an important gateway for communities across the Columbia Gorge—supporting emergency response, local businesses, and regional connectivity. This is an important investment, and I am determined to do all I can to keep needed federal dollars coming to my district and supporting the success of our communities,” said Rep. Dexter.

The awards from the federal Department of Transportation for the Oregon airports are as follows:

$6.24 million combined to Mahlon Sweet Field in Eugene to rebuild 21,177 square feet of terminal Concourse A, including interiors and restroom rehabilitation, construction including HVAC and mechanical; expand terminal Concourse A by 9,893 square feet, including HVAC and mechanical systems, including interiors and restroom rehabilitation.

$3.45 million to Roberts Field in Redmond to expand the terminal by 131,283 square feet

$3.18 million combined to Mulino State Airport to reseal 3,340 linear feet of hangar taxilane pavement; reseal 9,645 square yards of tiedown apron pavement and joints; reseal 3,425 linear feet of runway pavement and joints, expand an existing non-exclusive use hangar for aircraft storage by 10,500 square feet

$2.67 million to the Grants Pass Airport for new guidance signs., new lighting on taxiway edge lighting, extends paved runway by 13,294 feet, install runway end identifier lights system and precision approach path indicator system, extend taxiway by 870 feet in length

$2 million to Rogue Valley International Airport in Medford to rebuild 8,000 square yards of apron pavement; rehabilitate 30,000 square yards of apron pavement; update the pavement management plan and pavement survey and study

$947,435 combined to Brookings Airport to rebuild runway lighting, install a new airport rotating beacon, rebuild the precision approach path indicator system, rebuild the runway end identifier lights system, acquire and install new wind cone navigational aids to provide pilots, rebuild the runway end identifier lights system

$850,000 to Albany Municipal Airport to reseal 3,004 feet of runway, rebuild runway end identifier lights system

$800,254 combined to Joseph State Airport to acquire and install a new automated weather observing system, reseal 5,210 feet of runway pavement and joints; reseal 6,990 feet of taxiway pavement and joints

$760,000 to Southwest Oregon Regional Airport in North Bend to build runway safety area

$687,235 combined to Condon State Pauling Field to update the existing airport layout plan, reseal 1,030 feet of taxiway pavement; reseal 5,000 square yards of agriculture aircraft apron/pavement; reseal 830 feet of taxilane pavement

$600,000 to Corvallis Municipal Airport to reseal 7,200 linear feet of taxiway pavement

$534,000 to Ashland Municipal Airport to reseal 3,331 linear feet of taxilane pavement and joints; rehabilitate 131 linear feet of taxilane pavement; reseal 3,791 linear feet of runway pavement and joints

$500,000 to the Oregon Department of Aviation to update the regional airport system plan, the pavement management plan and pavement study

$490,224 combined to Chiloquin State Airport to reseal 4,190 square yards of apron pavement and joints, reseal 3,910 feet of runway pavement and joints

$465,789 combined to Roseburg Regional Airport to rehabilitate 27,555 square yards of apron pavement; rehabilitate 5,003 feet of paved runway $439,810 to Lebanon State Airport to reseal 2,140 feet of taxiway pavement and joints; reseal 2,750 feet of runway pavement and joints

$389,504 to Burns Municipal Airport to build a new 1,600-square-foot snow removal equipment building

$360,000 to Astoria Regional Airport to extend taxiways by 1,350 feet in length to reduce delays$326,774 to Gold Beach Municipal Airport to reseal 3,200 feet of taxiway pavement; reseal 3,200 feet of runway pavement

$300,000 to Ontario Municipal Airport to build a new helipad

$300,000 to Baker City Municipal Airport to rebuild 500 feet of airport access road

$300,000 to Crook County for the Prineville Airport to rehabilitate 5,404 linear feet of paved runway

$285,000 to Crater Lake/Klamath Regional Airport in Klamath Falls to rehabilitate 9,888 square yards of apron pavement

$220,000 to Ken Jernstedt Airfield in Hood River to reseal 175 feet of taxiway pavement, rehabilitate a tiedown apron and reseal 1,200 feet of apron taxilane

$171,760 to Grant County Regional Airport in John Day to build a new fuel farm by adding a 15,000-gallon AvGas fuel tank and a 15,000-gallon Jet A fuel tank and self-service pumps and associated 444-square-yard fuel apron pavement for a new fuel type

$150,000 to Hermiston Municipal Airport to rebuild the precision approach path indicator system

$124,678 to McNary Field in Salem to update the airport master plan study

$109,000 to Christmas Valley Airport to installs runway end identifier lights system at both ends; rebuild 5,200 linear feet of paved runway

”This federal investment in the Grants Pass Airport is a major win for our community and for the long‑term economic vitality of Josephine County,” said Grants Pass City Manager Aaron Cubic. “Replacing aging lighting, signage, and critical electrical systems will significantly enhance airfield safety and reliability, ensuring that our airport can continue to serve residents, businesses, and emergency response operations without interruption. “

Modern, dependable airport infrastructure is foundational to economic growth. These improvements strengthen our ability to attract business activity, support tourism, and maintain vital air access for firefighting, medical transport, and regional aviation services. We are grateful for the strong support from our federal partners, and this award underscores the importance of continued investment in rural transportation assets that keep communities like ours connected and competitive.”

“Capital improvements and major maintenance at the Albany Airport are made possible with this type of support,’’ said City Manager Peter Troedsson. “Without these grants we would not be able to operate the Airport. We’re grateful for the FAA’s funding in extending the service life of the Albany Airport runway and replacing this vital part of the airport’s lighting system.”

“The City of Condon is extremely grateful for the support the FAA is providing to Condon State Airport-Pauling Field,” said Gibb Wilkins, Public Works Superintendent/Interim City Administrator. “By updating the airport layout and resealing critical pavement, this grant is ensuring that Condon State Airport-Pauling Field remains safe, efficient, and able to serve the community well into the future.”

“We are grateful to the Federal Aviation Administration for granting these funds to install needed safety enhancements that will help the City of Ashland serve our airport users over the next decade,” said Ashland Mayor Tonya Graham.

“The role of the Burns Municipal Airport in terms of public safety is often overlooked,” said Harney County Commissioner Rob Frank. “It is an integral component of our wildfire response and emergency response for the entire region, and this investment in infrastructure is critical.”

“The main access road to the Baker City Municipal Airport is in very poor condition and has failed,” said Barry Murphy¸ City Manager for Baker City. “The project will reconstruct the road while ensuring it has the ability to accommodate larger tractor-trailer trucks that now supply most of the aviation fuel. All vehicles entering airport property use this road, so rehabilitating and enhancing the road will have a significant benefit to users of the airport and our community.”

“This funding will allow us to construct a new fuel farm and is a significant step forward in strengthening our airport’s capabilities. By expanding our fueling options and improving accessibility, we are better positioned to serve a wider range of aircraft, support local and regional aviation needs, and enhance safety and efficiency for pilots and operators,” said Haley Walker, airport manager for Grant County Regional Airport. “Investments like this not only improve day-to-day operations but also contribute to the long-term economic vitality of our community. We appreciate the continued support that makes projects like this possible and look forward to the positive impact it will have on Grant County and the surrounding region.”

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Happening Now: Bend Parks and Rec hiring for summer positions in Bend

Silas Moreau

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Right now, the Bend Parks and Recreation District is hiring for summer positions!

Hopeful helpers ages 15 and up are invited and encouraged to apply for positions supporting summer camps, swimming, outdoor recreation and all things fun.

Here are some of the positions you can apply for:

Youth Summer Camp Leader

Youth Recreation Leader

Youth Outdoor Recreation Leader

Youth Adventure Recreation Leader

Therapeutic Recreation Leader

Lifeguard

Swim Instructor

Customer Service

Swim Instructor & Swim Coach

Park Custodian & Park Landscaper

You can learn more about all the job opportunities at BPRD here.

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Crook County Search and Rescue conducts Easter rescue in Ochocos wilderness

Tyson Beauchemin

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — This Easter Sunday, Crook County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue says it assisted two people who spent the night in the wilderness of the Ochoco Mountains.

Their Search and Rescue organization said they had to “locate and recover” two people.

KTVZ News has reached out to learn more about the status of the two individuals and what caused them to be stranded.

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Deschutes National Forest plans prescribed burns near Sisters, Bend Monday

Tracee Tuesday

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest is planning prescribed burning operations Monday on the Bend-Fort Rock and Sisters Ranger Districts, with smoke expected to be visible in parts of Central Oregon.

Firefighters on the Sisters Ranger District are planning up to 42 acres of ignitions on the SAFR 9 and 78 prescribed burn units, located about one and a half miles south of Sisters, near the junction of Forest Service Road 16, also known as Three Creek Lake Road, and Forest Service Road 4606.

Ignitions are planned for about 10 a.m., and smoke will likely be visible from Forest Service Road 16, Sisters, Highway 20 and nearby areas. Residents in Sisters and the surrounding area are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed, especially overnight and in the early morning hours when smoke impacts are most likely.

No road or trail closures are anticipated for the Sisters-area burn.

On the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, firefighters plan to continue prescribed burning on the Flank 4 Prescribed Burn, about 15 miles southeast of Bend on the west side of Forest Service Road 18, just north of the Forest Service Road 18 and Forest Service Road 25 junction near the Camp II OHV Staging Area.

Crews are planning up to 847 acres of ignitions over the next one to three days, with 100 acres planned Monday. Ignitions are also expected to begin around 10 a.m., and smoke may be visible from Highway 20 and portions of Bend.

Trail closures remain in place for the Opine OHV Trails System, including trails 020, 021, 025 and 028. The closures will stay in effect for several days while mop-up and patrol operations continue after the prescribed burn is complete.

Fire managers say prescribed burns help reduce fuels and protect homes and communities from future wildfires. Officials work with smoke specialists from the Oregon Department of Forestry to choose weather conditions that help carry smoke up and away from nearby communities, though some smoke during or after a burn is still likely.

Residents are advised to close doors and windows at night, use portable air cleaners if available and run central air systems with high-efficiency filters when possible. Drivers in smoky areas should slow down, turn on headlights and use recirculating air settings. People with heart or lung disease, asthma or other chronic conditions should monitor symptoms and contact a health care professional if they worsen.

More information about prescribed burning and smoke preparedness in Central Oregon is available at centraloregonfire.org. Forest-specific information is available at fs.usda.gov/deschutes.

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Culver campground RV fire displaces father and son

Tracee Tuesday

CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — A father and son are safe after an early morning RV fire at a Culver campground, according to Jefferson County Fire and EMS.

Crews were dispatched just after 12:30 a.m. Saturday to a reported RV fire at 2435 SW Jericho Lane. When firefighters arrived, they found a 28-foot motorhome heavily involved in flames. Officials said there were no immediate threats to nearby structures.

Both occupants were out of the RV before crews arrived, and no injuries were reported.

Investigators believe the fire may have started from the RV’s refrigerator, though the cause remains under investigation.

Firefighters from Jefferson County responded with an engine, a tender and an ambulance, along with eight personnel. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Red Cross also assisted at the scene.

The fire left the occupants displaced, and the Red Cross is helping support them.

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Petersen Rock Garden celebrates grand reopening with restored displays and local history

Campbell Porter

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After years of restoration work, one of Central Oregon’s most beloved roadside landmarks is ready to shine once again. The Petersen Rock Garden & Museum, located between Bend and Redmond, will celebrate its grand reopening this weekend, the site’s biggest event in decades.

A ribbon cutting is set for 1 p.m. Saturday, April 4th, to mark the occasion. Thanks to a generous grant from Webfoot Home Improvements, the museum’s display cases, cabinets, and flooring have been fully restored. Visitors will also notice upgrades to the glow-in-the-dark rock room and the old café.

During those restorations, the garden’s new owners made an unexpected discovery.

“We found a brochure from, like, 1953 that was hid behind the 90-year-old cabinets,” said Tonia Smith, manager of Petersen Rock Garden. “It’s actually in pretty good condition, even colored. We were able to look at some of those pictures and do our best to recreate a couple of things there.”

The reopening celebration is free to attend, though donations are encouraged to help preserve the historic property. Food trucks will serve hot dogs and desserts, and local geologists will be on hand to explain the minerals and fossils that make up the museum’s impressive displays.

For rockhounds and collectors, there will even be a raffle featuring thunder eggs and rare angel wing agates.

If it’s been a while since your last visit, or if you’ve never seen this iconic Oregon treasure, now’s the perfect time to experience the creativity and whimsical spirit of Rasmus Petersen’s original rock garden.

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Owner of beloved Downtown Bend bookstore considering sale

Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Have you ever dreamed of owning a bookstore in downtown Bend? That opportunity may soon be available.

The owner of Underground Books in downtown Bend is considering passing the torch. While he has no plans to close the store, owner Justin Schlosberg told KTVZ News he’s entertaining offers.

A potential sale would include the store’s furnishings, some artwork, and a curated collection of books.

“I try to basically have good literature here, you know, and then also rare antiquarian books is a big thing that I sell here,” Schlosberg said. “I have a large room that’s spilling out to shelves with tons of antiquarian books going back to the 1800s.”

Details such as the lease would still need to be worked out, but any buyer would also inherit the shop’s reputation and loyal clientele.

Schlosberg said he’s in no hurry to sell, and Underground Books is not closing any time soon.

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Traffic changes and diverters added to Delaware Avenue

Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — You may have seen these concrete barriers in the middle of NW Delaware Avenue, or noticed some of the cross streets from Colorado Avenue have been changed to one way.

It’s part of the city’s plan to help protect cyclists in the Old Bend neighborhood. Delaware is part of the Bend Bikeway Project.

It’s something the city has been working on for a long time, to encourage the residents of those neighbors to bike or walk. However, the city has struggled with drivers speeding down these streets, making them unsafe for bikers and pedistraints

Now they’re trying out these diverters, which change the traffic flow. Ariel Méndez, Bend city Counciler explained the changes, saying, “These are on the Greenway network, which is, a network of streets that is intended to prioritize people walking and biking and wheeling. And, this is something that other cities have seen that really promote safety. And we’re going to give them a try here. ”

The reactions of the people living on Delaware have been mixed. Tony Roberts, who lives right next to one of the blocked intersections said “I’m not crazy about them, but, I’m willing to sit here and see what they do to the traffic.” Roberts and his wife have had to change how they drive to and from their home due to the new diverters.

Lloyd McMullem, has lived on Delaware for decades. She said she missed the opportunity for public comment, but wasn’t opposed to them entirely. “I think in the end, it might be a good thing.” she said, adding ” because we had felt like maybe we need a roundabout because people were so fast in the street. So if it solves the dilemma, then I’m all for it. ”

Many residents interviewed by KTVZ for this story expressed an interest in the possibility of a mini-round about, instead of diverters, to minimize the change in the flow of traffic.

There’s also been a little initiate confusion that comes with any traffic pattern change. Some drivers are trying to enter the new one-way intersections from the wrong directions, or making three point turns in the middle of the street to change directions.

The city of Bend is collecting data and feedback on this project.

They want people to visit the Bend Bikeway Project website, read their plans and send comments which could influence future projects.

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Hooker Creek hosts free seminar in Bend addressing challenges with new standard concrete material

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) Construction professionals across Central Oregon will have an opportunity to learn how to navigate a major industry shift at a free, full-day seminar hosted by Hooker Creek Companies on April 13.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Riverhouse Convention Center in Bend, followed by a complimentary social hour from 3 to 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided at no cost to attendees.

The seminar focuses on Type IL cement, also known as Portland Limestone Cement, which has fully replaced traditional Type I/II cement in Oregon and now makes up more than 60% of the U.S. cement market. While the material meets ASTM standards and delivers comparable strength, industry professionals say it behaves differently in real-world conditions.

Those differences have created challenges for contractors and finishers, particularly in Central Oregon’s hot, dry, and windy climate. Reported issues include surface crusting, crazing, delamination, plastic shrinkage cracking, and faster setting times.

Organizers say the seminar is designed to provide practical, field-tested strategies to help professionals successfully work with Type IL cement in both public and private projects, especially as the region continues to experience significant growth.

The keynote speaker will be Chad White, a senior concrete consultant with Structural Services Inc., who brings more than four decades of hands-on experience in concrete construction. White began his career as a cement mason apprentice and went on to lead a successful construction company for more than 15 years. He is a member of the American Concrete Institute, a published author on concrete slab installation, and a featured speaker at the World of Concrete conference. He also co-authored a widely used 2025 field guide on placing and finishing Type IL cement mixes.

The seminar is open to a wide range of industry professionals, including engineers, inspectors, contractors, construction managers, developers, and public agency staff. Officials from the City of Bend and Deschutes County Public Works departments have already registered to attend.

The event has been approved by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board for continuing education credits for both residential and commercial license holders.

Registration and additional details are available online at cementseminar.com.

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