SALEM — Gov. Tina Kotek on Thursday, April 6, approved legislation to shift state plans for construction bonds to bolster the construction of barracks at the aymond F. Rees Training Center near Hermiston.

Senate Bill 5544 adjusts six-year capital construction expenditure limits in the bond package approved in the 2021-23 budget. Kotek shifted the funding to Umatilla County because a bond project in Klamath Falls is expected to cost less than projected.

It increases federal funds capital construction limits by $20.2 million for the Oregon Military Department for construction of barracks and facilities at the former Camp Umatilla.

The bill reduces other funds’ limits by $20 million for the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. Bonds for a new residence hall at the Oregon Institute of Technology were approved in the last budget, but the institute opted to build a smaller, less expensive facility.

The bill passed the Senate and House by near-unanimous votes last month.