Date: Monday, June 12, 2000 |
For Immediate Release |
A petition seeking to extend an existing "pass-through" zone for personal watercraft on a portion of the lower Willamette River has been proposed to the Oregon State Marine Board. Public comment is now being taken on the proposal and a public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, June 22 at the Oregon building in Portland.
Petitioners have requested the Marine Board to extend the existing, seasonal pass-through zone for personal watercraft to include the area between the Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge and Elk Rock Island. According to petitioners, the extension is needed to reduce the noise associated with prolonged personal watercraft use just outside the existing pass-through zone. The current zone is between Rocky Island and the Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge and is in force May 1 through Sept. 30.
The Marine Board seeks comments from the affected public on the proposed expansion of the zone as well as the continued need for the existing seasonal watercraft pass-through zone on the Willamette River.
Public comment will be accepted until Friday, June 30. A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday June 22, 7 p.m., at the State Office Building in Portland, 800 NE Oregon Street. Oral and written comments will accepted during the meeting.
Written comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. Friday, June 30. Comments may be mailed to: Oregon State Marine Board, PO Box 14145, Salem, OR 97309. Comments may also be faxed to (503) 378-4597, or e-mailed to marine.board@state.or.us. For additional information, contact Wayne Shuyler, Marine Board Assistant Directory, at the above address, or via phone at (503) 373-1405 x240, or via e-mail at wayne.shuyler@state.or.us.
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