OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) — The regional government Metro is considering a bid for the 23 acres next to the Willamette Falls that now holds the closed Blue Heron Paper mill.
Metro officials say they could tap a fund for buying natural areas, partnering with local governments and perhaps the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
The plan would open the Willamette River and the falls to the public and encourage some commercial development, although officials say it could take years to accomplish that.
It would be the first time Metro has used the fund to buy developed property. But officials tell The Oregonian ( http://bit.ly/oaq5NU) the historic site next to the roaring falls presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
