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' V q <br /> information would be needed to support the discussion, for example to outline potential areas of <br /> impact and quantify benefits and trade -offs. <br /> While habitat enhancements could probably be accomplished with minimal outreach, some <br /> aspects of the project, for example alterations to the Alton Baker Park ponds, must be undertaken <br /> through a broad public discussion around the values of the existing features. This would also <br /> provide an opportunity to educate the community about factors involved in balancing <br /> environmental and recreational values. <br /> As a multi jurisdictional effort, questions about partnerships and/or "cooperative segmentation" <br /> of the project would be important to resolve. Preliminary indications are that potential partner <br /> agencies would be interested in the project, including Willamalane and Springfield. <br /> ODOT I -5 Bridge Project <br /> Extensive discussions with ODOT project managers and consultants with Oregon Bridge <br /> Development Partners (OBDP) indicate partnership interest, however there are limitations. <br /> ODOT has indicated that it is unable to participate in alterations to the Millrace Dam structure for <br /> several reasons. First, the structure is outside the scope of ODOT' s work on the bridge, and they <br /> would be unable to justify the expenditure with the limitations of their funding source. Second, <br /> ODOT projects undergo a streamlined permitting process applying specific performance <br /> standards. The addition of work on the Millrace Dam would substantially complicate their <br /> process, which is currently underway. Third, the Millrace Dam is eligible for listing on the <br /> National Historic Register. ODOT staff has stated that, because there is Federal permitting and <br /> funding associated with the project, they are unable to make alterations to the structure if there is <br /> an option to do otherwise. <br /> Nevertheless, there is a definite willingness to cooperate on a variety of levels. If the community- <br /> based initiative to make alterations to the Millrace Dam is realized, ODOT may be willing to <br /> incorporate some work into the in -water portion of bridge construction, potentially saving <br /> mobilization and other costs. This work would have to be separately permitted and funded. In <br /> addition, ODOT has confirmed the possibility of configuring remedial work around staging areas <br /> to suit a community -based plan. Project staff are already planning to add a multi -use path <br /> connection under the south bank of the bridge, and provide interpretive features for the Millrace <br /> Dam to mitigate impacts to minor remnants of the weir structure. <br /> The in -water construction period for the bridge is expected to cover at least 4 seasons from 2009 <br /> — 2012. This would be the window of opportunity for the community to participate. An <br /> upcoming public comment period for technical reports could present a good opportunity to <br /> formally propose cooperative interest. <br /> Millrace Dam <br /> In lieu of a solid proposal for alterations to the Millrace Dam structure at this time, ODOT has <br /> proceeded with hydrological calculations for the bridge footings assuming the structure will <br /> remain. Due to the timeline of the bridge project, they will need to proceed under that <br /> assumption. If, in the interim, the community proposes alterations, and begins to move down a <br /> path towards implementing that plan, ODOT may need to revise calculations. The earlier in the <br /> process this happens, the easier it will be to accomplish from the perspective of the bridge project. <br /> To address the legal issues surrounding the Millrace's eligibility for the National Historic <br /> Register, Heritage Research Associates prepared an archaeological assessment of the Millrace <br />