SALEM -- The Oregon House on Monday revived and passed a measure aimed at banning large-scale destination resort development in the Metolius River Basin in Central Oregon.

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The measure was narrowly rejected by the House last week. But on Monday the House voted 31-28 to approve the bill after backers said the area is a place of pristine beauty that deserves special protection.

The bill now goes to Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who sought the special designation for the Metolius basin after developers announced plans for two new destination resorts near the river.

Opponents argued that the Legislature should not intrude in local land use decisions and that destination resorts could create jobs for hard-hit Jefferson County, where the unemployment rate has hit 16 percent.

One of those who voted against the measure last week was Rep. Larry Galizio. But the Tigard Democrat said he decided to support the bill Monday after receiving a personal phone call from Kulongoski and getting e-mails from constituents urging protection for the Metolius.

Monday's vote drew applause from State Treasurer Ben Westlund. As a state senator from Bend at the time, Westlund sponsored a similar bill in the 2007 legislative session to protect the river and trout fishery from development.

"Generations of Oregonians will continue to marvel in the majesty of the Metolius River," Westlund said. "The Metolius is not just a jewel in Jefferson County's crown. It's a treasure for us all -- an Oregon treasure."

The leading sponsor of the measure, Rep. Brian Clem, was briefly overcome with emotion as he urged the House to approve the bill during last week's debate.

"I'm not embarrassed about trying to save this place," the Salem Democrat said Monday just before the House voted to resurrect the bill.