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~ <br /> February 7, 2003 <br /> CONTAC Kevin Finney, City of Eugene Project Manager, (541) 682-6018 <br /> Mark Dasso, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, (503) 808-4728 <br /> From Publ c Information Section, 682-5523 <br /> FOR IMM DIATE RELEASE <br /> FEDERA APPROPRIATIONS BILL INCLUDES FUNDING FOR DELTA PONDS PROJECT <br /> Th omnibus federal appropriation bill signed by President Bush on February 20 <br /> includes fu ding to restore the Delta Ponds in north Eugene. <br /> Th $397 billion budget bill included $3.4 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to <br /> restore aq atic habitat and make recreational improvements in the Delta Ponds, a 144-acre <br /> ecosystem of ponds, channels and wetlands owned by the City of Eugene along a stretch of the <br /> Willamette River just downstream from Valley River Center. As local sponsor for the project, the <br /> City is con ributing more than $2 million in land and matching funds from local stormwater user <br /> fees and t e 1998 voter-approved parks and open space bond measure. A consortium of <br /> natural res urce groups, sand and gravel companies, area residents, volunteers, and the state's <br /> Oregon C munity Solutions Program is also taking part in the project. <br /> <br /> j Th Corps completed a study to determine that the project was feasible and would <br /> achieve th objectives of the federal Water Resources Development Act. Kevin Finney, project <br /> manager f r the City of Eugene, said preliminary work could begin this fall, pending permit <br /> approval b local, state and federal regulatory agencies. The bulk of construction currently is <br /> scheduled n summer 2004. <br /> The project will improve the connection of the ponds to the Willamette River, helping <br /> water flow etween the ponds and enhancing water quality and access for fish and other wildlife <br /> while maint fining winter flood control. The recreational components of the project include new <br /> parking are s, accessible trails, and interpretive signage. The City currently is seeking federal <br /> support for project to construct a new bicycle-pedestrian path next to Delta Ponds, connecting <br /> the pond a a and the neighborhood to the east to the Ruth Bascom Riverside Trail. <br /> <br /> , <br /> P Qc Works • Administration • City of Eugene • 858 Pearl Street • Eugene, OR 97401 <br /> Phone: (541) 682-5282 • FAX: (541)682-6826 • www:ci.eu9Bne.or.us <br /> <br />