Nike expansion planned in Oregon, says Governor John Kitzhaber

SALEM, OR - Nike wants to expand its Oregon operations but wants the government to promise it won't change the state tax code.

Gov. John Kitzhaber says he'll call the Legislature into session Friday to create a law to give Nike its wish.

The governor didn't release details on the expansion plans. But a company fact sheet says analysts at AECOM estimate the $440 million project would create 2,900 construction jobs with an economic impact of $2 billion a year.

According to Nike, analysts say an expansion would create 12,000 jobs directly or indirectly. It doesn't say how many would be Nike employees.

Nike Inc. has its headquarters in Beaverton, outside Portland. Company officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Kitzhaber says Nike needed certainty before next month's regular legislative session.