| Press Release |
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| September 2, 2004 |
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Governor Announces First Development Site for the Willamette River Water Trail
(Salem, Ore.) – Today Governor Ted Kulongoski joined state and local public and private partners to kick-off the development of the first leg of the Willamette River Water Trail as part of the Governor’s Willamette Restoration Initiative that he announced in April, 2004. The Governor’s initiative is based on three driving themes – Repair, Restore, and Recreate – and today’s announcement launches the Willamette River Trail project, which is the central component of the “Recreate” theme.
A water trail is a path for boats with facilities, interpretive materials and information for the public so they can make the most of their river experience. When completed, the River Trail will connect communities from Peoria and Corvallis, to Independence, Salem, and Keizer, utilizing existing public parcels as places for visitors to rest, eat, and camp between stretches of paddling the river.
“Great communities and great rivers go together,” said Governor Kulongoski. “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new public-private partnership that will enhance the recreational opportunities on the Willamette River, and provide a huge economic asset for Oregon’s communities and families by fostering a high quality of life that both attract new visitors and new business.”
The Governor also announced the first two major private sponsors of the Willamette River Water Trail – G I Joes and Columbia Sportswear. These Oregon-based companies have both made commitments to support the Water Trail over the next few years so the River Trail can be open for business by Memorial Day 2005. Other key partners of the Governor’s Willamette Restoration Initiative include the Mid-Willamette Group, Willamette Riverkeeper, local governments, non-profit groups, tourism organizations, and state and federal agencies representing interests from Corvallis to Newberg.
Contact:
Marian Hammond, 503-378-6169
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6496
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