Oregon Court of Appeals affirms OSU-Cascades siting process

Oregon State University - Cascades received word today that the Oregon Court of Appeals has affirmed the land use process related to OSU’s new regional campus in Bend.

“This is great news because it clears the way for us to focus 100 percent on our efforts to expand higher education opportunities in Central Oregon,” said Becky Johnson, OSU-Cascades vice president.

The Appeals Court decision marks the fourth approval of the site development plan for the 10-acre campus on Bend’s west side.  An independent hearings officer, the Bend City Council and the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals all previously ruled in favor of the plan.

“We have made solid progress toward creating the ideal environment for learning, research, cultural enrichment and other amenities that come with a local, four-year university,” Johnson said.

OSU-Cascades will welcome its first freshman class this month.  A 43,650-square-foot academic center featuring state-of-the art classrooms, laboratories, offices and other spaces for approximately 1,890 students is slated to open by fall 2016. Site work for the 113,000-square-foot residence hall and student dining complex is nearing completion.

“We are grateful for the support from so many who have helped get us to this significant milestone,” Johnson said. “We are also set to launch the next phase of public engagement, that will be as comprehensive as possible, as part of our assessment of the adjacent 46-acre pumice mine and 76-acre demolition landfill for potential campus expansion. We look forward to a public conversation that will help create a campus that is an overwhelming asset to the surrounding community, and to all of Bend and Central Oregon.”

About OSU-Cascades: Located in Bend, Ore., Oregon State University’s branch campus features outstanding faculty in degree programs that reflect Central Oregon’s vibrant economy and abundant natural resources. Eighteen undergraduate majors, 30 minors and options, and three graduate programs include computer science, energy systems engineering, kinesiology, hospitality management, and tourism and outdoor leadership. The branch campus is expanding to a four-year university in fall 2015.