Commissioners mull possible loss of funds.

Byline: COUNTY BEAT By Matt Cooper The Register-Guard

Fifty-fifty, at least.

Those are the latest odds on Uncle Sam agreeing to continue kicking in some or all of the $50 million annually that the federal government historically has given Lane County in lieu of logging receipts on federal timberland.

Tony Bieda, the county's intergovernmental relations manager, handicapped the chances during a commissioners' meeting this week.

If the payments end this year, it means the loss of $20 million annually for county general-fund spending (the rest of the federal money goes to schools, roads and federal projects). Such a cut in the general fund would drastically change how much voters might be asked to pay in income taxes for public safety later this year.

Commissioners have appeared to strike an increasingly anxious chord about the chances for the federal money. But Bieda - who is close to the action in Washington, D.C. - said long-standing Congressional commitments give the county leverage "to hold their feet to the fire."

Officials will know more when President Bush releases his budget proposal early in February. They'll also make the rounds in D.C. during the annual trip at the end of the month.

Bieda cautioned, however, that things may not come to a head until the end of the year.

Steering the bus

The man chosen to steer Lane Transit District through the coming months also wants the long-term job.

Mark Pangborn, interim general manager, said Thursday that he wants to be LTD's next general manager, when the board eventually replaces General Manager Ken Hamm, who resigns today.

"Lane Transit District provides an absolutely critical service to the community, and we have some very important initiatives we're working on," said Pangborn, a 23-year employee. "With my years of experience, I can contribute to that process." His challenges include helping a high-speed bus service get off the ground in December.

On Feb. 15, the board will discuss the search for a new general manager.

What's in a name?

Never underestimate the power of words.

Officials with the Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority went before commissioners this week on their plans to make a seemingly minor change and rename themselves "Lane Regional Air Protection Agency."

Seems it's better to stress a positive - "protecting" the air - than a negative, such as "pollution." Also, interim Director Merlyn Hough said swapping "agency" for "authority" better describes the expanded efforts to keep air clean.

The commissioners agreed to the change, but not before board chairman Bill Dwyer cautioned LRAPA not to grow overly protective, so to speak. He wants LRAPA to remain mindful of low-income people who heat with fireplaces and wood stoves, despite the pollution that these can cause.

Hough acknowledged the concern, but said the name change is meant only to reflect how LRAPA has grown - not what it wants to do next.

Presentations about the name to other LRAPA cities are planned through Feb. 13.

Matt Cooper can be reached at 338-2317 or [e-mail].