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wi <br /> \EUGENE <br /> _;UGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER <br /> February 27, 2003 <br /> City of Eugene <br /> 777 Pearl Street, Room 105 <br /> Eugene, Oregon 97401-2793 <br /> (541)682-5010 <br /> (541)682-5414 FAX <br /> www.ci.eugene.or.us <br /> (IN THIS WEEK'S EDITION <br /> FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL INCLUDES FUNDING FOR DELTA PONDS PROJECT <br /> EUGENE/KAKEGAWA ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATION <br /> COUNCIL MEMBERS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, CHILDREN AND PARENTS TO CELEBRATE READING <br /> UPDATE ON INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM PETITIONS <br /> ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT CONDUCTING INTERVIEWS AND FOCUS GROUPS MARCH 10-12 <br /> NEW INVASIVE AND NATIVE PLANT LISTS AND POLICY RELEASED BY CITY MANAGER <br /> AROUND THE CITY <br /> Federal Appropriations Bill Includes Funding for Delta Ponds Project <br /> The omnibus federal appropriation bill signed by President Bush on February 20 includes funding to restore the Delta <br /> Ponds in north Eugene. The $397 billion budget bill included $3.4 million requested by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers <br /> restore aquatic habitat and make recreational improvements in the Delta Ponds, a 144-acre ecosystem of ponds, <br /> channels and wetlands owned by the City along a stretch of the Willamette River just downstream from Valley River <br /> Center. As local sponsor for the project, the City is contributing more than $2 million in land and matching funds from local <br /> stormwater user fees and the 1998 voter-approved parks and open space bond measure. A consortium of natural <br /> resource groups, sand and gravel companies, area residents, volunteers, and the state's Oregon Community Solutions <br /> Program is also taking part in the project. <br /> The Corps previously completed two studies to determine that the project was feasible and would achieve the objectives of <br /> the federal Water Resources Development Act. Kevin Finney, Project Manager for the City of Eugene, said preliminary <br /> work could begin this fall, pending permit approvals from local, state and federal regulatory agencies. The bulk of <br /> construction is currently scheduled in summer 2004. <br /> The ponds will be reconnected to the Willamette River, improving water flow between the ponds and enhancing water <br /> quality and access for fish and other wildlife while maintaining winter flood control. The recreational components of the <br /> project include new parking areas, accessible trails, and interpretive signage. The City currently is seeking federal support <br /> for a project to construct a new bicycle-pedestrian path next to Delta Ponds, connecting the pond area and the <br /> neighborhood to the east to the Ruth Bascom Riverside Trail along the Willamette River. For more information, contact <br /> Kevin Finney, Project Manager, at 682-6018. <br /> Eugene/Kake_gawa Annual Open House Celebration <br /> Please join members of the Eugene/Kakegawa Sister City Committee for the annual Open House Celebration at the <br /> McNail-Riley House (corner of 13th Avenue and Jefferson Street) on Tuesday, March 4, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. <br /> Refreshments will be served by hosts in traditional Japanese kimonos. Japanese music and a slide show are planned as <br /> yell. <br /> EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 1 <br /> February 28,2003 cc022703.wpd <br />