The Oregon Department of Justice is investigating the McKenzie Watershed Alliance after the nonprofit reported more than $1.5 million in “unauthorized payments,” raising questions about whether public and utility funds were involved.
The McKenzie Watershed Alliance serves as the fiscal sponsor for the McKenzie Watershed Council and has handled millions of dollars in federal and other funding for restoration projects in the McKenzie River watershed and elsewhere in the Upper Willamette Basin.
The Eugene Water & Electric Board has said it is aware of allegations of financial wrongdoing involving a McKenzie Watershed Alliance staff member. EWEB emphasized that the allegations do not involve its employees…