A mix of about 35 South Coast officials and residents got a taste of state politics Friday when the Senate Transportation Committee descended on Coos Bay's City Hall for meetings and two public hearings.

During an hour-long information-gathering session in the morning, the five-member committee - chaired by Sen. Joanne Verger, D-Coos Bay, a former mayor of the city - listened as several South Coast movers and shakers presented similar descriptions of the South Coast's economic pulse: that the area is poised for further progress.

Officials from the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay and Coos County Airport District spoke of accomplishments including the potential for Bandon Dunes Golf Resort to host an international golf outing, a successful casino, the completion of the Coos County natural gas pipeline and federal and state funding awards for various transportation projects that will spur growth.

But they also spoke of challenges and a need for additional funding.

Martin Callery, the director of marketing and communications for the Port, said the addition of a railroad spur to the North Spit - where Southport Forest Products is relocating - and the second phase of a rehabilitation project of the Coos Bay Railroad Bridge could be bolstered by additional state funding.

"We've always had lookers out at the North Spit," Callery said, noting that investments made now, could attract even more business.

Sue Richardson, the vice chairwoman of the Airport District said while the area has suffered some tough times over the past 10 to 15 years, recent accomplishments have showed signs of renewal.

Projections from the South Coast Development Council estimated commercial, general aviation and cargo traffic at the North Bend Municipal Airport would double within 15 years, she said.

The airport has plans, some of which are already under way, for a $45 million modernization project that includes revamping the passenger terminal, a new air traffic control facility, runways, taxiways and aircraft parking. While the federal government has already appropriated some money for the projects, the Airport District's executive director Gary LeTellier, said the district needs $22 million. He added that some of that would be recouped in landing fees.

If all goes well, he projected that within 10 years, the airport district could be dissolved.

"We just need that initial help," LeTellier said.

He also spoke of how enhancements made at the airport will help stimulate growth in other areas, including boosting tourism to the South Coast.

With Bandon Dunes' growing recognition and the chance to have a shot at luring a PGA or U.S. Open Tournament event there, changes are needed at the airport, he said.

"We don't want to be the limiting factor," LeTellier said.

In an afternoon session, the committee held two hearings, with no comments from the public, and forwarded two bills for the full Senate to vote on next week.

Senate Bill 101 proposes changes to Oregon Revised Statute 374.313. to allow property owners - whose driveways are closed by the Oregon Department of Transportation for safety reasons - to seek compensation directly from the ODOT, instead of taking legal action. The committee voted unanimously to adopt the change.

Moments later, the committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 445, which proposes changes to ORS 801.193. The statute currently defines a Class II all-terrain vehicle as weighing less than 8,000 pounds, but more than 800 pounds.

Cpl. Rodney Roberts, of the Coos County Sheriff's Office, patrols the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. In testimony before the committee, Roberts said the statute change would allow law enforcement officers to restrict heavy vehicles.

Roberts told the committee such vehicles cause damage to the dunes.

"We have a gentleman who lives in the county, who owns a tank," Roberts said, adding the man has driven it out at the dunes.

Motor homes outfitted with four-wheel-drive gear, commercial trucks, semis and recreational vehicles weighing 16,000 to 19,000 pounds all have been spotted out there, Roberts said.

The committee voted unanimously to make the change to the statute.

Sen. Rick Metzger, D- Welches, quipped it should be dubbed the "tank bill," to which Verger replied: "I have to carry that (bill). I just have to."

Before the meeting in Coos Bay, the committee toured the Port of Umpqua in Reedsport. In the afternoon it toured the North Bend Municipal Airport.