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and goals regarding Amazon Creek restoration that we have worked toward over the past 20 years. The rationale for these concerns were outlined in my January, 2008 memo to you. I and my staff understand the tremendous challenges that LTD faces in creating an EmX alignment in west Eugene; there are trade -offs with every proposed alignment. For example, if LTD moves its proposed Amazon Creek alignment further from the top of bank (thereby benefiting many of the recreational, aesthetic, natural resource, and storm water values that POS is responsible for managing), land acquisition costs could increase substantially. At the same time, the recreational, aesthetic, natural resource, and storm water values provided by the Amazon Creek corridor are significant values for the community as a whole, and I feel they would be significantly degraded if LTD gets approval for an alignment too close to Amazon Creek. I understand that the Amazon Creek alignment is only one of a series under consideration. If one of the other "non Amazon Creek" alignments is designated the preferred local alternative, then our concerns are moot. However, I feel from the tone of their presentations to us that LTD staff has considerable momentum around the Amazon Creek alignment alternative. An opportunity? I feel there is still an opportunity for a win -win scenario but it will take LTD willingness to accept what would likely be a couple million dollars in additional acquisition costs. LTD is considering an option that includes relocating Amazon Creek to the south in some areas. Currently, the drawings I've reviewed only show this being considered in areas that are undeveloped. I believe that if this idea was taken a bit further to include the acquisition of one or two structures on the south side of the current alignment, then the opportunity would present itself to allow the EmX line to be built on the north side of Amazon, while allowing 20'+ buffer to the north top of bank, and regraded slopes on both the north and south banks to a 4 or 5 to 1 instead of the current 1 1 /2 to 1. This would have the beneficial outcomes of allowing a wider creek bottom with water quality and habitat meanders, and would provide room for a relocated bike path. This would be very consistent with the restoration goals from the Metro Waterways Study within this section of the creek. I do realize this would have significant additional acquisition costs, but would also enhance a considerable section of the Amazon instead of degrading it. There is park property nearby that could also benefit from this acquisition through provision of a corridor to the bike path. I could see some potential for us to partner in a small way with some of the acquisition costs related to making that happen. In summary, I remain very concerned about LTD's proposals regarding alignments near Amazon Creek. I personally feel any Amazon alignment that encroaches closer than 10 feet to the creek top of bank or includes construction of near vertical banks to support a top of bank roadway is inconsistent with our long term goals for Amazon Creek. There may be some possible win -win solutions, but only if a willingness comes into play to relocate Amazon Creek and purchase additional expensive structures on the south side of the creek. ATTACHMENTS: 1. January 8, 2008 "West Eugene EmX Extension Project" from Johnny Medlin to Kurt Corey. 2. LTD's August 13, 2009 map of the Amazon alignment.