WEST LINN, Ore. (AP) — The Army Corps of Engineers says the Willamette Falls Locks will remain closed to public boating for the rest of the year.
The Oregonian reports the Corps will open the locks periodically for some commercial vessels this year, and operate them in emergencies.
But the Corps received funding only to maintain – not operate – the historic locks that allow boats to travel past the 40-foot falls on the Willamette River between Oregon City and West Linn.
Low commercial traffic and high operating costs have plagued the locks in recent years.
A $1.8 million federal stimulus package helped reopen the locks in May 2010, after they first closed in January 2008. Congress also allocated $230,000 for the lock’s 2010 operations. The locks closed again in September.
