Today, the Marion County Board of Commissioners formally announced that the county is filing a lawsuit asking the United States District Court to order the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to pause efforts to drain Detroit Lake until the Army Corps completes the turbidity report required by federal law and allows informed public comments.

On Monday, a federal judge denied Marion County’s request asking the court to allow the county to file a response opposing a Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) motion to exclude more criminally-charged individuals from the Oregon State Hospital in the ongoing Mink/Bowman case.

“It’s unfortunate to see our legislators fail to be responsive to the very real needs of our community,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell. “This bill would have filled a crucial gap in the process of law right now that prohibits us from doing the best we can to take care of vulnerable individuals experiencing mental health crises.”