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(AP file photo)

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission this week signed an agreement with a Kansas-based company to build the online application process for recreational marijuana business licenses.

NIC USA, Inc., will design an online application for commercial growers, processors, wholesalers and retailers. The state must begin accepting applications by January 2016.

The system will be used to apply for a new license or renew an existing one, pay license fees by credit card and pay marijuana taxes, as well as update license information.

The agency's agreement with the company has an annual subscription fee of $80,000 and no up-front costs.

NIC USA, Inc. manages, markets and operates the E-GOV Program web portal for the state under an agreement that the Oregon Department of Administrative Services administers.

-- Noelle Crombie