(a) It is a matter of statewide importance to increase the infrastructure capacity of Coos, Jackson and Josephine Counties and the rest of southern Oregon.

(b) The absence of such infrastructure capacity, the lack of inexpensive industrial fuel and inadequate transportation facilities restrict national and international trade and otherwise hinder the economic development of the region.

(c) State financial assistance to specified local projects in southern Oregon will sustain and increase jobs, foster national and international trade, allow industrial and commercial expansion and eliminate other negative effects caused by infrastructure that is inadequate to support a vibrant and expanding economy.

(d) It is desirable to make a present commitment of lottery revenues that are expected to be received in the 1999-2001 and 2001-2003 biennia. A clear and prompt financial commitment from the State of Oregon will allow the project sponsors, in reliance on that commitment, to make prompt commitments to pay their share. Prompt commitment by the project sponsors will enhance the likelihood that other private or federal funds will be received for the projects.

(2) The Legislative Assembly declares that the purpose of ORS 285B.500 to 285B.512 and section 9, chapter 644, Oregon Laws 1997, is to obligate the State of Oregon to pay the amounts specified in ORS 285B.500 to 285B.512 and section 9, chapter 644, Oregon Laws 1997, from future lottery revenues. The obligation of the state to pay the amounts specified in section 9, chapter 644, Oregon Laws, 1997, and in grant agreements authorized by ORS 285B.506 is limited to, and conditioned solely on, the availability of unobligated net lottery proceeds and any other moneys lawfully credited to the Oregon Unified International Trade Fund. Neither the faith and credit nor any of the taxing power of the State of Oregon are pledged or otherwise committed by ORS 285B.500 to 285B.515 and 777.277 to 777.287 and section 9, chapter 644, Oregon Laws 1997, and the commitments of the State of Oregon under ORS 285B.500 to 285B.515 and 777.277 to 777.287 and section 9, chapter 644, Oregon Laws 1997, and any grant agreement shall not constitute a debt or liability of the state within the meaning of section 7, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution. [1997 c.644 §7]

Note: 285B.500 to 285B.515 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 285B by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.