| OSMB News |
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| For Immediate Release |
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Friday, February 22, 2008
Marine Board Seeks Public Comment on Memorial Weekend River Race Closure
The Oregon State Marine Board seeks public comment on a proposed 2008 World Championship Boat Race scheduled during Memorial Day weekend, May 24 -26, 2008. Approximately 30 to 40 jet boats are expected to participate in the event.
In order for the race to take place, marine event sponsors are requesting temporary closure of the Willamette andSantiam Rivers at the following locations:
· May 24: Willamette River from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. from Bowman Park (RM 117.5) upstream 1.5 miles to Albany.
· May 25: Willamette River from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Bowman Park (RM 117.5) upriver 61 miles to Valley River Inn, Eugene (RM 179). The return trip follows the same river course.
· May 26: Willamette river from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from Bowman Park (RM 117.5) 40 miles downriver to the confluence of the Santiam River, then heading upriver on the main Santiam to the confluence of the North Santiam and then motoring upriver on the South Santiam to Gills Landing boat ramp in Lebanon. The return trip follows the same river course.
For an event of this magnitude to take place, a minimum of 20 safety boats, emergency personnel and dive teams, along with marine patrols from Lane, Linn, Benton and Marion counties will need to be on hand. Additional boat patrols will be provided by Albany and Springfield fire departments and American Whitewater Jetboat Association. Personnel will be stationed at all boat ramps along the race course during the event to ensure the public is notified of the river closure.
The Marine Board is accepting written public comment on whether the proposed race should be permitted. All comments must be received by Monday, March 31. Comments can be sent to June LeTarte, OSMB, P.O. Box 14145, Salem, OR 97309. They can also be sent via email to june.letarte@state.or.us, or via fax (503) 378-4597. Comments by telephone cannot be accepted.
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