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to be completed by the end of this year. Progress on the gazebo can be viewed live through the Owen Rose Garden webcam at ww.ci.eugene.or.us/PW/PARKS/Owen/owencam.htm. For information about the recent work parties, contact .olunteers in Parks Coordinator Chris Girard at 682-4845. For more information about contributions to the garden, contact Paul Peschiera, Eugene Delta Rotary, at 684-8454, or John Weber, Parks Planner, at 682-4908. MWMC Has Good News for Metro Area Property Tax Payers Eugene and Springfield taxpayers can celebrate a debt-free regional wastewater treatment system this fall, thanks to the payoff of$29.5 million in general obligation bonds. This fall, the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC), the agency that manages the metropolitan area wastewater plant, paid off the $29.5 million in bonds used to finance construction of the regional wastewater treatment facilities. MWMC celebrates its 25' year of successful operation and maintenance of award-winning regional wastewater treatment facilities this year—which coincides with the repayment of the general obligation bonds approved by voters in 1978. The bonds were issued to finance the remaining costs needed to match over$80 million in federal Environmental Protection Agency grants. Because of the partnership between the federal government and local taxpayers, the community's regional system assets are now valued at over$235 million. Although several revenue sources have been combined to repay the obligation, the bonds were repaid primarily with property taxes within the Metropolitan Wastewater Service District (MWSD). Over the last 25 years, the tax rate for the MWSD has fluctuated, ranging from 4 cents to 87 cents per$1,000 of assessed value. Elimination of this portion of property tax may help off-set at least a portion of the increase in Lane County property taxes expected this year. "MWMC is a great example of teaming of local governments," said Gary Rayor, Eugene City Councilor and MWMC Commissioner. "By teaming, the cities and county have provided an essential metro area service more efficiently and ' ffectively than any of the governments could have alone. Payment of the bond is indicative of this efficiency." For .ore information, contact Wastewater Division Director Peter Ruffier at 682-8606. Boat Launch Weighs Anchor Thanks to the parks and open space bond measure Eugene voters approved in 1998, City residents now have a new boat launch off Day -._ Island Road in Alton Baker Park. The launch has been long anticipated by the local boating community, which has strongly supported the •; . ; _ ': project by testifying at public planning and land use meetings since an informal boat launch on the Willamette River was closed in 1996. The new facility features a 20-foot-wide wide concrete ramp at the • , waters edge, parking for 12 boat trailers, and native riparian and • , upland landscaping throughout the project. A vegetated swale and stormwater detention basin handle the stormwater runoff from the _ - , parking area. Safety features are being installed at the crossing between the bike path and the road, including two post lights, stop signs for vehicular traffic, and caution signs for bicyclists and pedestrians on the bike path. The year-round ramp is ready for use and open during regular park hours. A dedication ceremony is planned for Spring 2003. For more information, contact Parks Planner John Weber at 682-4908. Wastewater Treatment Plant Generates 30,000 Megawatt Hours of Electricity On Wednesday, November 20, 2002, the regional wastewater treatment plant on River Avenue passed a significant energy milestone— 30,000 megawatt hours of electricity produced from the plant's main engine-generator. This was a -esult of 37,873 hours of operating time, of which all but 373 hours were at full production. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 November 25,2002 cc112102.wpd