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Metro is seeking a team to complete schematic design for a planned public path through the former Blue Heron Paper Co. site in Oregon City.

The regional government agency late last week issued a request for proposals from teams interested in completing schematic design and developing a phased plan for construction of the Willamette Falls Riverwalk. The estimated $30 million project involves construction of a path for pedestrians and bicyclists along the Willamette River, adjacent to downtown Oregon City. It will pass through the ex-Blue Heron site and Portland General Electric property to give the public access to nearby Willamette Falls for the first time in decades.

The project is a joint effort of Metro, the city of Oregon City, Clackamas County, the state of Oregon and site owner George Heidgerken. It has been hailed as the first step toward revitalization of the ex-industrial site; it has sat vacant since 2011, when the paper mill shut down.

The schematic design team will work closely with a consultant that Oregon City is seeking to research the cultural history of the site and compile a report.

The schematic design RFP is available on the Oregon Procurement Information Network and through on the Metro website. Proposals are due by 2 p.m. on March 11.

Metro officials plan to hire a design team in June.