Oregon House Bill HJM12

Oregon 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/25/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Urging the President of the United States, the Director of the National Park Service and the Congress of the United States to provide the funding needed to complete the full historic restoration of the Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument.

Summary

House Joint Memorial 12 (HJM12) urges the President of the United States, the Director of the National Park Service, and Congress to provide necessary funding for the full historic restoration of the Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument. Recognized as a significant national treasure and a National Historic Landmark, the Chateau has faced challenging rehabilitation efforts that have stalled due to financial constraints. This resolution seeks to gather support and resources needed to revitalize this important landmark, which has been closed to the public since 2018. The sentiment surrounding HJM12 reflects a strong desire for community engagement in preserving local heritage and boosting tourism in the region. Advocacy for the Chateau is largely driven by groups like the Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau, who emphasize the economic and cultural importance of restoring the landmark. Proponents believe that the successful completion of the restoration project would not only return the Chateau to its former glory but also enhance Southern Oregon's hospitality industry by attracting visitors and supporting local businesses. Notably, concerns have been raised regarding the delays in the restoration project that began in 2017. The original rehabilitation aimed to modernize the Chateau while maintaining its historic integrity. However, extensive repairs were identified, leading to the suspension of the project in 2022 due to inadequate funding. This situation highlights the ongoing struggle for resources in historic preservation while underscoring the community's efforts to preserve their local heritage. In summary, HJM12 serves as a formal appeal for federal support in an endeavor to restore a landmark deeply rooted in Oregon's history. By securing the required funding, advocates hope to move forward with the rehabilitation, thereby revitalizing not just the Chateau itself but also the surrounding communities that depend on tourism and historical appreciation.