News Digest:
Sunday, September 7, 2008 12:32 AM PDT
Good Morning
Oregon
Historic lighthouse needs repairs
FLORENCE (AP) — One of the nation’s most photographed lighthouses is leaking so badly it’s crumbling away.
The 115-year-old Heceta Head lighthouse may have to be closed to visitors if it is not repaired soon. But the estimated cost of repairs is $1.45 million, partly because the lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means the work has to conform to certain standards.
State finds 7 pesticides in groundwater
SALEM (AP) — Seven pesticides have been identified in Oregon groundwater or streams that could pose a risk to human or environmental health.
State experts say four already violate state water-quality standards or guidelines that protect aquatic life while the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has linked three of the pesticides to cancer. Wildlife advocates say almost all seven can hurt Pacific salmon.
Engineers begin
infrastructure study
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The state infrastructure is going to get a report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
The national association assesses the condition of the infrastructure across the country every five years.
In 2005, the engineers gave the nation’s roads, schools and other public assets a D grade and said $1.2 trillion was needed to bring it up to an A. The number was updated to $1.6 trillion in 2008.
IDAHO
State gets poor grades for mental health care
POCATELLO (AP) — A recent report on mental health care systems shows Idaho is one of the lowest ranking states for mental health care nationwide.
The Idaho Legislature funded the study by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, which examined the current state of mental health care in Idaho.
Stephen Weeg, executive director for HealthWest in Pocatello, says the report shows what mental health professionals already knew: Idaho doesn’t get enough funding for mental health and substance abuse services.
