91视频

The future of Willamette Falls is moving ahead slowly, with construction of an overlook delayed into a second phase.

Local governments involved in the Willamette Falls Legacy Project agreed at a Feb. 4 meeting to embark on a first phase that would include habitat restoration and public-access improvements at the Oregon City landmark.

An overlook designed in 2020 would be built in a future phase at an estimated cost of $12.5 million, the Legacy Project announced.

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde has owned the property since purchasing it from Washington developer George Heidgerken in 2019. A tribal spokeswoman initially said she was not aware of a news release issued by the Legacy Project 鈥� a group of government agencies including Oregon City, Clackamas County, Metro and the state of Oregon.

鈥淚 think we’re seeing the culmination of a true collaboration,鈥澛燨regon City Commissioner Rachel Lyles Smith said at the Feb. 4 meeting.

The Legacy Project stated that project staff will work on phase one design and 鈥渃ontinue engaging with tribal governments to inform the design, resulting in permit-level drawings.鈥� The local governments also stated they would support 鈥淕rand Ronde’s priorities for private development.鈥�

The tribe has not detailed any plans for private development. In response to inquiries from the 91视频, the tribal government issued a written statement.

鈥淎s the host tribe we are a tribal people who are the descendants of the keepers of the falls,鈥� Communications Director Sara Thompson stated Friday. 鈥淲e’re blessed with a connection to Willamette Falls that has been passed down through generations and are committed to bringing healing and restoration to this place. Our hope is that the Riverwalk project will introduce visitors to this amazing landmark on the Willamette River and the rich history tied to it. Through the different phases of this project, we hope to give people a love and appreciation of this place that will be handed down through future generations.鈥�

Money from Metro’s 2019 parks and nature bond measure, the Willamette Falls Trust聽and additional contributions from Oregon City and other project partners will provide聽the funding for a second phase, according to the Legacy Project.

鈥淲e’re making really great strides forward for something that’s going to benefit everyone at the table,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淎nd it’s going to benefit Oregon. This is a destination site and it makes me excited.鈥�

A large fire caused damage at the vacant property in December. A man was arrested and charged with arson and other crimes, The Oregonian reported.