Gerding Builder President Ryan McAlister, left, and Mahlum Architects’ Brett Dunnam, right, on Wednesday updated U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio, center, about the new Benton County Crisis Center. (Photo by Cory E. Grogan/Benton County)

Benton County commissioners and various other officials met with U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio on Wednesday to provide an update on the Benton County Crisis Center project.

DeFazio has represented Benton County and the Fourth District of Oregon since 1987. He helped secure $1 million in congressionally-directed spending for the crisis center.

“This is a great opportunity for us to honor the congressman and let him know how much we appreciate what he has done for our district,” Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse said. “We are fortunate to be able to do this in sight of a project he had a direct impact on. It is one example of many that add up to a great legacy he is leaving behind.”

Wyse and fellow commissioners Pat Malone and Xan Augerot, were joined by Corvallis City Manager Mark Shepard, Benton County Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall, Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson, Benton County Administrator Joe Kerby, and members of the Benton County Health Department, along with representatives from Gerding Builders and Mahlum Architects.

DeFazio, who did not seek re-election this year, is the longest-serving House member from Oregon with 36 years of service.