News Release
| Release Number: | 04-105 |
| Dated: | 5/27/2004 |
| Contact: | Diana J. Fredlund, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore. - Recreational facilities will open at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects in western Oregon and southwest Washington for the summer recreation season, generally between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Corps projects are scattered throughout the area, so information is presented in geographically-related segments.
The 19-page news release is available at the Portland District website, https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/pa/news/home.asp.
The release includes operating hours, available facilities and a description of each area owned and/or operated by the Corps' Portland District.
Funding for traditional Corps of Engineers missions such as recreation and navigation is severely limited nationwide, requiring reductions in all routine activities. As a result, the Corps of Engineers has had to prioritize use of limited funding both regionally and nationally. Locally, funds supporting recreation activities have been severely curtailed to permit funding of more critical needs such as operation of multi-purpose hydropower and flood damage reduction projects, inland waterway maintenance, environmental compliance efforts and maintenance of aging infrastructure.
To deal with funding constraints, we have reduced janitorial services, grounds maintenance and interpretive and water safety programs so we could keep the majority of recreation sites open in the Columbia Gorge. Unfortunately, we were not able to fund the contract with Northern Wasco County Parks for the operation of the Seufert Visitor Center. The operating contract for the Seufert Visitor Center at The Dalles Lock and Dam was cancelled due to lack of funds and will remain closed. Nearly 40,000 visitors toured The Dalles facility in 2003.
Our objective is to provide a safe and healthful environment in which the public can recreate. The Corps decided that wherever possible, it was better to offer a place to enjoy Corps sites with decreased services than to not open Corps sites at all.
Closing a facility this season does not mean it will remain closed permanently. The Corps will review all avenues available during the next fiscal year prior to making any decisions about future operations or reductions in service.
If you would like to receive a copy of the 19-page news release via fax, mail or email, please contact our office at (503) 808-4510.