Thank you for your interest in reading The Astorian. Here are a few stories that you might have missed this week:

•••

The Oregon Department of Human Services has released a more detailed account of the indoor air quality issues that led to the closure of the Astoria office in late March.

The office off Marine Drive, which has a history of environmental problems, closed due to a building safety concern after workers complained of gas and chemical smells, headaches and eye and sinus irritation, Jake Sunderland, a spokesman for the Department of Human Services, told The Astorian.

Initially, Sunderland said, HVAC system and gas line issues were identified as potential causes. However, after initial attempts to fix those issues, Sunderland said workers at the office still reported gas and chemical smells, as well as health concerns.

State officials say the source of the indoor air quality issues that led to the closure remains unclear.

See the story by Nicole Bales by clicking here.

•••

The Sunset Empire Transportation District has received another significant boost from the state as the agency tries to rebound from a financial collapse.

The transit district received a $505,000 loan from the state in May to help restore some bus service following a shutdown of operations in late April due to a lack of money. At a special meeting Wednesday, the transit district board approved an amendment to the loan, which grants the agency up to an additional $505,000 to maintain existing service levels.

Debbie Boothe-Schmidt, the board chairwoman, said Thursday that the first loan helped the transit district catch up on payments, while the second batch of funds will ensure the stability of service.

Read the story by Ethan Myers by clicking here.

•••

Warrenton is looking to manage a critical need for housing.

Several hundred housing units are in the pipeline in what was Clatsop County’s fastest-growing city over the past decade.

The city is working with graduate students from Portland State University’s regional planning program to help determine the best areas to invest in infrastructure to support new housing development. The students presented their work and findings at a regional housing task force meeting last week, and plan to go before the City Commission in the coming weeks.

“If we don’t maximize what is best for the entire community, we’ve lost an opportunity,” Jay Blake, the city planner, said. “Because we do have some developable land.”

Take a look at Nicole Bales’ report by clicking here.

•••

We invite you to help sustain local journalism on the North Coast. Please consider subscribing. We have several options available at: www.dailyastorian.com/subscribe-now/

— Derrick DePledge