Morning Roundup


Gov. Brown reverses veto decision, Portland to sell hydro power to PGE and OHA takes another hit.

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Portland highway project moves forward. Gov. Kate Brown had planned to veto $2 million in funding for the Southwest Capitol Highway Safety Improvements project. But public pressure forced Brown to reverse course. The Governor stayed the course, however, on vetoing two Medford projects. Read more from the Oregonian.

PGE pens secret deal. The city of Portland is planning to sell hydroelectric power to Portland General Electric, but only if the pay rate is undisclosed. A risk analysis found the city could lose $800,000 in the next three years as a result of the deal. The council is considering the proposal today. The Oregonian has the story.

Another hit for OHA. The  Oregon Health Authority was hit with a lawsuit only days after director Lynne Saxton resigned amid a communications scandal. Universal Health Services intends to file a suit against OHA for denying the company’s proposed Wilsonville psychiatric hospital. The Portland Business Journal has more.

RELATED STORY: Media manipulation and the OHA scandal

Growing divide between business leaders and Trump. Under Armour, Intel and Merck execs resigned from the President’s manufacturing council this week when he failed to condemn white supremacists. In light of Trump’s remarks yesterday — during which he placed blame for the events in Charlottesville on “alt-left” protestors — more CEOs are abandoning ship. The New York Times has more.

Third Salem bridge rejected by state. The Salem City Council approved plans to move forward with a third bridge crossing the Willamette River to ease traffic constraints last year. The Land Use Board of Appeals is withholding approval. Read more from the Statesman Journal.

APES pollution out of control. The North Portland oil recycling refinery was ordered to install regenerative thermal oxidizers by the DEQ, but has yet to do so. The DEQ is fining American Petroleum Environmental Services $1,600 a day until the equipment is installed. The Portland Tribune has the story.

Intel diversifies. The Oregon chipmaker says it will reach workforce diversity goals by next year — two years early. The Portland Business Journal has more.