Last modified: Monday, December 22, 2008 10:17 AM PST Area officials to discuss stimulus projects today By LARRY MEYER ARGUS OBSERVER ONTARIO — A follow-up meeting to discuss what projects or needs are in Malheur County that could be promoted for funding under an economic stimulus package expected to be passed by Congress shortly after Jan. 1 will be held at 1:30 p.m. today at the Malheur County Economic Development Office, 316 NE. Goodfellow St. Communities must have established a list of projects by the time the opportunity to request funding becomes available, according to U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, who has been traveling around Eastern Oregon to make sure the rural counties and communities are prepared. Addressing a group Thursday at the Ontario Train Depot, Wyden said the projects must be ready to go, must produce immediate jobs and/or must have a long-term benefit. Ideas for projects have already been suggested at a similar session at County Court Wednesday and during the meeting with Wyden on Thursday. “We can’t forget our airport,” Alan Daniels, Ontario airport manager and economic development director said. While the underpass on Idaho Avenue is a top priority with some, Chuck Mickelson, Ontario Public Works director, said North Oregon Street, from Idaho Avenue to the North Ontario Interchange, would be his No. 1 priority because it is a major entryway into the city. Jay Chamberlin, manager of the Owyhee Irrigation district, said the Owyhee Project is more than 75 years old and some major repairs are needed.  Dr. Dennis Carter, superintendent of the Ontario School District, presented a floor plan of a science building that would have classrooms and labs for high school students and mentioned there were some needed roof maintenance projects in the district during the session at County Court. Janine Weeks, Nyssa School assistant superintendent, also mentioned roof maintenance and security issues. Asked who would be making up the final list of projects to promote, state Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario, who has also been promoting the economic discussion, said the county, through the economic development director, is the logical starting point, which is why he approached Jim Jensen, economic development director about hosting the meeting. One issue he believes needs to be considered is “how to keep what we already have.”  “County, city leaders and businesses need to work together to decide on which of the priorities they all want to get behind,” Bentz said. “There is a short time frame.”