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Oregon Department of Transportation officials want to build a southbound ramp for Interstate 5 at Kuebler Road in Salem. First, however, they have to get approval on behalf of some fish.

ODOT‘s proposal calls for realigning a section of Middle Fork Pringle Creek. Realignment would pass through an area where the ground has soil problems, said Greg Apke, the coordinator of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife fish passage program.

鈥淭hat’s obviously not a good thing for the stream or our native fish,鈥� he said.

To pursue their plan, ODOT officials must receive an exemption from regulations governing fish habitat. ODFW may grant rule exemptions if no appreciable damage to fish would occur from denying them their usual passage.

鈥淥DFW staff is recommending granting the exemption,鈥� Apke said.

However, before making a final decision, ODFW officials are accepting written comments from the public until Jan. 7. Details on ODOT’s proposal are available .

Citizens can send written comments to or request additional information from Apke at 3406 Cherry Ave. N.E., Salem, OR 97303. His email address is [email protected]. His phone number is 503-947-6228.

Whatever happens is not necessarily permanent, Apke said.

鈥淭he good thing about exemptions is that they are revocable after seven years,鈥� he said.