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Metro is considering whether to refer to voters a parks bond renewal that may include $20 million to kick-start the first phase of construction at Willamette Falls.

The total bond package is estimated to total $400 million to $450 million, including a slew of other parks-related spending. The measure would renew existing bonds and leave current tax rates unchanged.

The entire Willamette Falls Legacy Project is expected to cost approximately $150 million over 20 years, said Jon Blasher, Metro’s parks and nature director. Metro is planning to tackle restoration of the waterfall area in several phases; the first will be the Riverwalk to create public access. A master plan for the Willamette Falls Legacy Project was completed last year.

鈥淭his could help to be the catalyst,鈥� Blasher said.

Plans for the Willamette Falls Legacy Project have forged ahead since the Metro-led government coalition and property owner George Heidgerken reached an agreement in March 2018 to apply for permit applications. Metro has issued a request for proposals for a construction manager-general contractor for the first phase of Riverwalk construction. The RFP will close at 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

The $20 million infusion would follow $5 million from a 2006 bond that was used for planning. Snohetta, an international design firm based in Norway and New York City, crafted a master plan for Metro and its partner agencies in Willamette Falls: Clackamas County, the city of Oregon City and Oregon State Parks.

The initial phase of construction would include a public viewing platform, access to the falls and restoration of natural areas. Construction could begin in 2020.

The massive waterfall has been closed to public view from the ex-Blue Heron paper mill property for decades. The site is culturally important to several Native American tribes, who have continued to be consulted on the project.

Separately, Heidgerken is investigating a number of possible private-sector development scenarios for the land he owns at Willamette Falls.

Otak Inc. is now tasked with bringing designs from concept to the first phase of construction, including design and engineering work for federal permit applications. Otak is working with Mayer/Reed, Snohetta, KPFF, Pacific Habitat Services and others on the project.

The project is also receiving support from a nonprofit organization, Willamette Falls Trust, which was set up to help work advance. The trust received a $5 million donation from Connie Ballmer, who grew up in Oregon City and is the wife of NBA owner and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer; and $2 million from the Ann and Bill Swindells Charitable Trust, a legacy of a prominent Oregon timber family.

Willamette Falls Trust Executive Director Andrew Mason said the public-sector agencies recognized a need to have a more nimble, private nonprofit partner.

鈥淲e’re here to help support fundraising and community engagement for the Riverwalk,鈥� Mason said.

The decision to refer the parks bond package lies with the Metro Council, which is expected to vote on the matter later this month. If approved, it would appear on November ballots. The bond would focus on water quality, fish and wildlife habitat and racial equity.

鈥淥ne program area that we’re looking at is how to leverage large-scale community visions, and one of those has been the Willamette Falls Legacy Project,鈥� Blasher said.

According to Metro, the bond would include $130 million to $140 million to protect and restore land, particularly river and stream banks, and culturally significant sites; $100 million to $105 million to maintain and improve facilities at existing Metro parks such as Oxbow and Blue Lake; $25 million to $30 million for community grants; $65 million to $70 million to support local parks projects overseen by city and county governments; $40 million to $55 million to create walking and biking trails; and $40 million to $55 million to advance large-scale initiatives relating to job opportunities, affordable housing and transportation.