Take Those Jobs and Shove 'Em

In an unusual deal that reflects mounting concern about sprawl, computer chip-maker Intel agreed with local officials not to bring too many more jobs to the greater Portland, Ore., metropolitan area. Intel already employs 4,000 people and the deal with Washington County will let it create 1,000 new jobs, but if it exceeds that number the company will have to pay a "growth impact fee" of $1,000 per year per excess worker. County officials are expected to approve the plan next week. In other sprawl news, EPA Administrator Carol Browner yesterday touted a Clinton administration plan to issue tax-free bonds so local governments and nonprofits could buy and preserve open space. The plan will be introduced in Congress soon.