News Release
| Release Number: | 07-119 |
| Dated: | 9/24/2007 |
| Contact: | Diana J. Fredlund, 503-808-4510 |
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Willamette Falls Locks will end its summer operating season at 5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 30, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today.
Extended operation of the locks this summer was made possible through a Challenge Partnership Agreement between the Department of the Army and Oregon Department of Transportation. A coalition of local community stakeholders, led by Oregon Solutions' project management team, partnered with the Corps of Engineers to ensure funds were available for essential maintenance, allowing the locks to open for the past two summers. While a long-term solution for resolving the shortage of operational funds is being sought, it is unknown at this time whether the lock will open next year.
Willamette Falls Locks is the oldest continuously operating multiple-lift lock system in America and serves to transport river traffic past the 40-foot Willamette Falls. The Corps has operated the Willamette Falls Locks, located at West Linn, Ore., since 1915. The project is on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a State Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
For more information about Willamette Falls Locks please visit the Portland District's web page at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/wfl/.