Oregon House Approves Measure Endorsing Remote Testing Area

Oregon House Approves Measure Endorsing Remote Testing Area - The Oregon House of Representatives has approved a memorial urging the federal government to permit the testing of unmanned aircraft in remote Central Oregon. Rep. Jason Conger (R-Bend) introduced House Joint Memorial 20, saying the designation would attract aerospace, aviation, and manufacturing industries to the area, and would create thousands of well-paying jobs in the process. “We have an opportunity to become a leader in drone research and development,” Rep. Conger said in a recent press release. “Central Oregon offers a highly-skilled workforce and vast stretches of remote land that’s ideally suited to unmanned aircraft testing.  I introduced House Joint Memorial 20 to send a message to Congress that Central Oregon welcomes these important industries and the jobs they will provide.” HJM 20 urges Congress to enact legislation requiring the Federal Aviation Administration to expedite the approval process for unmanned aircraft testing in rural counties with an unemployment rate of 10 percent of higher. “Economic Development for Central Oregon has worked hard to bring unmanned aircraft testing to Central Oregon,” Conger said.  “Drone technology is a new and growing segment of the aviation industry, and represents a real opportunity to diversify our economy and create new jobs in Central Oregon.”