Sisters City Council discusses new park and pavilion project

Spencer Sacks

(UPDATE: adding quotes from City Councilors Michael Preedin and Gary Ross)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ)— The Sisters City Council is reconsidering plans for a proposed new park near Highway 20 and Sisters Park drive after councilors expressed concerns over the cost and scale of a planned pavilion. The original design, which included a pavilion and winter ice rink, was estimated to cost nearly $10 million.

The proposed park would be located across from the Best Western. Initial plans called for a standing pavilion that would house an ice rink during the winter months and hard courts for sports like basketball during the rest of the year. However, council members are now looking at scaling back the project to better fit the site and the community’s needs.

City officials are evaluating three potential routes for the park’s development. The first is a two-phase approach where the initial phase includes a playground, bouldering area, parking and restrooms, while the second phase adds the pavilion. A second option is a hybrid model featuring a sports court and a temporary ice rink, while the third option focuses solely on the phase one amenities with no courts or pavilion. Any chosen plan would be funded through a combination of grants and bonds.

Michael Preedin, a city councilor and former mayor, spoke during the meeting about the importance of balancing the park’s features with the city budget. “Well, we want to have the best park we can have in Sisters,” Preedin said. “We wanted to fit the community and we don’t need to overspend on it either.”

Council members also raised concerns about how a large structure would fit on the designated lot. City Councilor Gary Ross noted that interest in a full-size ice sheet, similar to facilities in Bend, created complications for the site plan regarding space and neighborhood parking. 

“Clearly, if we would have done that, there would have been room in that site for anything else,” Ross said. “And we were looking at potential parking problems in the neighborhood. So we started scaling it back and then scaling it back. And all of a sudden became, is this really the right thing to do? And that’s where we are today.”

Community reaction to the proposed pavilion and ice rink remains mixed. While some residents expressed excitement for the new amenities, others told KTVZ they were opposed to placing a pavilion and ice rink at that specific location.

The council has requested that the project team revise the plans to focus on the phase one design with a sports court. This updated version is expected to include a sports court but will no longer feature the pavilion structure.

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COCC receives $224K grant for scholarships to help rural students in health care training programs

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — More than 50 rural-based students enrolled in health care training programs at Central Oregon Community College — in areas like public health, nursing and behavioral health — will have their tuition fully or partly covered by a recently announced $224,532 grant from the Central Oregon Health Council.

In addition to providing scholarship support, the funding from COHC will be used to help expand health sciences programming at Jefferson County 509J high schools, and also pay for field placements, so COCC students can earn while they learn. The grant period opened last November and continues until November of 2030, COCC said in Wednesday’s news release, which continues in full below:

COHC’s funding reinforces a $300,000 grant from the Oregon Health Authority, received by COCC in early 2025 and designated for the same purpose; OHA funding continues until the end of June 2027. Scholarships from that grant are being awarded to COCC students — about 100 in all — in various health care specialties, such as public health, nursing, nursing assistant, medical assisting and addiction studies.

The need for health care workers in Oregon, particularly in rural areas, is significant. A 2025 state biennial health care workforce assessment — a recurring report that’s mandated by Oregon law — found that while Oregon’s health care and social assistance sector increased by more than 15,000 jobs in 2024, it had 18,800 position vacancies.

“With our newly expanded Madras campus, the timing of this funding is allowing more students from rural areas to work toward high-demand health care careers in the region,” said Zak Boone, vice president for college advancement and COCC Foundation executive director. “Central Oregon Health Council will change the trajectory of many lives with this support.”

Opened last month, the expanded college campus in Madras now offers complete degree and certificate trainings in the fields of nursing, nursing assistant and medical assisting.

Scholarship priority for the COHC and OHA grants is being given to students who have lived in, are attending or formerly attended school in, or intend to work in a Health Professional Shortage Area, which includes a large portion of Central Oregon and the Warm Springs Reservation. Awards range from $500 to $5,000.

Interested students can explore scholarship options and conditions at cocc.edu/departments/financial-aid. COCC’s spring term begins March 30.

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Deschutes County residents weigh in on natural hazards, emergency preparedness efforts

Barney Lerten

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office released the results Wednesday of ithe Office of Emergency Management’s recent community-wide survey, which asked residents to share their experiences, concerns and priorities related to natural hazards and emergency preparedness.

The response to December’s survey was strong: 771 citizens participated in the Natural Hazards Survey, providing valuable insights that will help shape the 2026 Deschutes County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan .

The survey results show residents are most impacted by winter storms, wildfire, and extreme heat, and place the highest priority on safe evacuation routes, reliable utilities, clean water, trained emergency responders, and protection of critical facilities.

“This level of participation tells us people care deeply about preparedness and community safety,” said Ashley Volz, emergency services coordinator with the sheriff’s office. “We heard loud and clear that residents want clear information, practical tools, and planning that reflects the realities of living in Central Oregon.”

Key Survey Findings

The top hazards experienced and cited by survey participants:

Winter storms (62%)

Wildfire (58%)

Extreme heat (40%)

Preparedness actions: Many households have signed up for emergency alerts and created evacuation plans or supply kits, but fewer have documented property, built emergency savings, or completed more complex preparedness steps.

Barriers to preparedness: Time, cost, storage limitations, and lack of clear information were the most-cited challenges.

Trusted information sources: Emergency services were identified as the most trusted source for preparedness and safety information, followed by email newsletters, online news, and social media.

Next Steps

The county said survey results will directly inform the development of the 2026 Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, which guides Deschutes County’s efforts to reduce risk, prioritize projects and pursue grant funding for hazard mitigation and preparedness. The Office of Emergency Management plans to complete the following:

Use survey feedback to guide planning discussions and mitigation priorities

Continue community outreach and education focused on practical, achievable preparedness steps

Share additional opportunities for public input as the planning process moves forward

Residents interested in learning more or staying involved are encouraged to contact the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management at emergency.management@deschutes.org.

Survey results and key findings are available here: NHMP-Public-Survey-Key-Insights.pdf

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Driver alert: Guardrail and bridge work to slow Oregon Highway 126 traffic east of Powell Butte

Barney Lerten

(Update: Video Added)

POWELL BUTTE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A road and bridge project will be slowing traffic for the next few weeks on Oregon Highway 126 just east of Powell Butte, ODOT said Thursday,

Crews will be replacing guardrail and widening the Central Oregon Irrigation District Canal Bridge at milepost 10 “to make traveling on OR 126 safer for everyone,” the department said. 

Traffic will be reduced to a single lane and controlled 24/7 by portable traffic signals installed at either end of the bridge.

Crews plan to start the work next Monday, and ODOT said drivers should expect delays of up to 20 minutes in both directions for about four weeks.

Construction schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change, the agency said, urging motorists to check TripCheck for updated information.

This work is happening toward the end of a two-year, $13.8 million project that’s also included repaving of Highway 126 between Redmond and the Powell Butte Highway, as well as other improvements in Redmond.

Visit ODOT’s project website for more information or contact Meghan Blyth, community affairs coordinator.

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‘Risky gamble’: Deschutes Commissioner Phil Chang not a fan of candidate’s proposal that the county buy Mt. Bachelor

Barney Lerten

(Update: Commissioner Phil Chang reacts to Rob Imhoff proposal)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Deschutes County commission candidate’s suggestion that the county buy or partner to arrange a local purchase of the Mt. Bachelor ski resort is a “poorly thought-out concept,” current Commissioner Phil Chang told KTVZ News on Thursday.

“I like the idea of local ownership,” said Chang, who is serving as commission chairman this year and is not up for re-election.

But he went on to say: “I just don’t think the county is any position to play a role in assembling a deal or partnership,” as Rob Imhoff proposed this week. (See our earlier story below.)

“Our debt financing capacity is sucked up in our courthouse expansion, and if we had more we have some really exciting opportunities to develop new attractions at the Fair and Expo (Center),” Chang told us after we reached out to the board and resort for a comment.

“We also have a need to finance an overhaul of the jail from an indirect to a direct supervision structure,” he said.

“And while I love Mt Bachelor, that doesn’t mean that it is not a risky business investment,” Chang said, “and I think the taxpayers signed up for cost-effective key public services, not government gambling on enterprises.”

Earlier story:

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ-Feb. 11) — Eighteen months after POWDR Corp. put Mt. Bachelor up for sale — and 10 months after the company decided to keep it – the idea of local ownership has arisen again, this time amid a political campaign. A Deschutes County commissioner candidate says the county should make it happen.

The new proposal came this week from Bend business owner Rob Imhoff, one of three candidates for Position 5 on the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. It’s one of two new seats on the expanded five-member board previously approved by voters. (The filing deadline for the May 19 primary is March 10th.)

The leader of a local group that sought in vain just such a return to local control told KTVZ News Wednesday that they are glad to hear of the new proposal and offered to help in any way they can. Chris Porter also noted how a Colorado town is in the process of just such a purchase of their nearby ski resort from POWDR.

Imhoff says the county should step up to “pursue strategic acquisition and/or partnership options” to bring the resort under “community stewardship.”

After POWDR announced in August 2024 it was putting Mt. Bachelor on the market, a community group formed in an attempt to acquire the resort, but said it was unable to submit a bid “due to timing constraints.”

Porter, president and CEO of Mt. Bachelor Community Inc., the group that tried to launch a local bid for Mt. Bachelor, told us they have not heard from Imhoff so far.

But he told KTVZ News, “I applaud them for taking the initiative. It is really nice to see someone else picking up the ball.”

Porter also told us they have acquired a “wealth of knowledge” over the past 18 months that they’d be happy to share with Imhoff or others who would like to help return the resort to local ownership, as it began. Porter said it would be great for a public-private partnership to emerge, in order to make it happen.

Porter pointed to a similar effort in Colorado, where the town of Nederland signed a letter of intent last year to buy the Eldora Mountain Resort from POWDR.

Just last week, The Colorado Sun reported that Nederland’s Board of Trustees had signed a letter of intent to buy the resort for $120 million. The board last month also unanimously approved issuing up to $225 million in bonds to pay for the resort’s acquisition and improvements.

A group of resort industry insiders and investors are no longer part of that complex deal, which includes bond sales and securing a Forest Service permit.

KTVZ News also has reached out to POWDR and county commissioners for any reaction or statement about the revived idea. We will update this story as warranted.

Here’s Imhoff’s news release, in full:

Rob Imhoff Calls for Deschutes County to Bring Mount Bachelor Home: Proposes Local Ownership to Deliver Affordable Access and “Protect Our Playground” 

Bend, Oregon – Rob Imhoff, candidate for Deschutes County Commissioner, today unveiled a bold vision to return Mount Bachelor – Central Oregon’s iconic playground – to local control. As the current corporate owner, POWDR Corp., has decided to retain the resort indefinitely after briefly listing it for sale in 2024-2025, Imhoff proposes that Deschutes County pursue strategic acquisition and/or partnership options to shift the mountain from profit-driven corporate management to community stewardship under county control. 

“Mount Bachelor isn’t just a ski resort – it’s our playground, our family traditions, our winter economy, and the heart of what makes Central Oregon special,” said Imhoff, a longtime Deschutes County resident, small business owner, and community coach. “Under corporate ownership, we’ve seen rising pass prices, mega-pass dominance, long lines, and decisions that prioritize shareholders over locals. It’s time to bring it home: make it affordable for Central Oregon families, reinvest in our community, and protect it for generations to come.” 

Imhoff’s proposal draws inspiration from successful community-owned models nationwide, including: 

Bogus Basin (Boise, Idaho) – The largest nonprofit recreation area in the U.S., reinvesting all profits locally for affordability and youth programs. 

Bridger Bowl (Bozeman, Montana) – Community nonprofit emphasizing reasonable costs and reinvestment into the mountain. 

Mad River Glen (Vermont) – Skier-owned cooperative preserving authentic skiing and offering shareholder perks. 

Mount Ashland (Ashland, Oregon) – Nonprofit saved through community efforts, treating the mountain like a public park with affordable access. 

Eaglecrest Ski Area (Juneau, Alaska) – Municipally owned, subsidizing tickets and supporting resident recreation. 

These examples prove that local county ownership delivers lower resident prices (e.g., deeply discounted “Locals Passes”), reinvests revenues into improvements, youth initiatives, and environmental care (like wildfire prevention), protects against overcrowding and corporate changes, and ensures long-term stability without heavy tax burdens – through bonds, grants, donations, and revenue-sharing. 

“This isn’t about disrupting operations – it’s about enhancing them with a focus on our community,” Imhoff added. “As commissioner, I’ll champion this dialogue, build coalitions, and fight for what’s best for Deschutes County families, not distant shareholders.” 

Imhoff invites residents to join the conversation at upcoming town halls and via robimhoff.com. For more on his platform – including regaining local control, building more housing, delivering real help for homelessness, and responsible land & water stewardship – visit robimhoff.com. 

About Rob Imhoff 

Rob Imhoff is a 20+ year Deschutes County resident, small business owner in the housing and construction sector, devoted family man, youth sports coach, and dedicated community volunteer. Running for County Commissioner, Rob is committed to putting Central Oregon first by fighting for local control over our decisions, making housing more affordable and attainable, providing compassionate and effective solutions to homelessness, and protecting our land, water, and way of life from outside overreach. With a proven track record of building businesses, coaching teams to success, and listening to neighbors, Rob brings practical, common-sense leadership to the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. Learn more and join the movement at robimhoff.com

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Bend Chamber marks 100 years of supporting business community; Centennial Celebration set for May

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a century of supporting the regional business community. The organization plans to commemorate the milestone with a year-long campaign and a Centennial Celebration Gala on May 21.

Founded in 1926, the chamber has grown into the second largest business advocacy organization in Oregon with nearly 1,650 members. The upcoming centennial marks 100 years since the organization unanimously voted to change its name from the Bend Commercial Club to the Bend Chamber of Commerce.

The organization was originally founded in 1926 as the Bend Commercial Club. The name was changed to the Bend Chamber of Commerce following a unanimous vote during a weekly forum luncheon on Wednesday, May 26, 1926. The directors referred the name change to the forum, which marked the official transition of the commercial club to the chamber.

Sara Odendahl, current CEO of the Bend Chamber, noted the organization has worked to support entrepreneurs and strengthen the regional economy for a century.

“For 100 years, the Bend Chamber has been a steady force for business—supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening our local economy and helping shape the community Bend has become today,” Odendahl said. She added that the chamber is honoring past leaders while preparing for a future that requires bold collaboration and innovative solutions.

The Centennial Celebration Gala is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the High Desert Museum. The event will include live music, catered food and beverages. In addition to the gala, the chamber plans to partner with Deschutes Brewery to create a commemorative collaboration beer and will share historical stories throughout the anniversary year.

The chamber has grown to include nearly 1,650 business members across the state. It currently ranks as the second-largest chamber in Oregon, trailing only the Portland Metro Chamber, which has about 2,400 members. The strong membership allows the organization to advocate for businesses at local, county, state and federal levels.

Gary North, the Bend Chamber’s board chair, said the organization serves as a central resource for both new and established businesses to collaborate on shared challenges.

“The Chamber provides one-stop shopping for new and existing businesses to have access to both the services the Chamber provides as well as a place to meet local business leaders to collaborate on mutual challenges,” North said. He noted that members and staff have been invaluable in helping businesses navigate changing economic and policy environments.

In recent years, the chamber has focused on addressing workforce housing and child care affordability. The organization also led the creation of a bipartisan Central Oregon Caucus and the Regional Business Alliance. Its community investment arm, the BendNEXT Foundation, manages leadership programs and talent development initiatives to strengthen the local workforce.

The chamber also launched a new website and specialized brandmark featuring a “100 Years” banner to coincide with the anniversary. Lisa Nielsen, marketing lead for the Bend Chamber, said the site was developed by chamber member fare*well to provide easier navigation and resource access. “Our new website is designed to better support our members and the business community—making it easier to access resources, stay informed and engage with the Chamber,” Nielsen said.

The year-long Centennial campaign will continue through 2026. The chamber will announce further details regarding special membership promotions and commemorative activities as the anniversary year approaches.

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Rep. Bynum nominates 23 Fifth District students to U.S. service academies; 6 are from Deschutes County

Barney Lerten

OREGON CITY, Ore. (KTVZ) – Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Ore. announced Wednesday the nomination of 23 students in Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District to the elite United States Service Academies, including six Deschutes County nominees.

Four retired veterans representing Naval, West Point, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies made up Bynum’s Service Academy Board. The board evaluated the applicants based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and character. 

“I am honored to nominate these outstanding young Oregonians to the United States Service Academies,” Bynum said in a news release. “Their commitment to service, academic achievement, and civil engagement is exactly what the Academies are all about.

“I’d also like to thank the Service Academy Board for investing their time, energy, and expertise into the nomination process. The nominees represent the very best of Oregon, and I am confident that they will make our district proud.”

The 2025 Service Academy Nominees are as follows:

Clackamas County: 

·         Cole Solari – Air Force Academy

·         Thomson Burch – Air Force Academy

·         Ryder Gray – Naval Academy

·         Wyatt Sturgeon – Air Force Academy

·         Logan Koelbel – Naval Academy

·         Derek Griffin – Air Force Academy

·         Claire Yates – Military Academy and Air Force Academy

·         Vivian Vogt – Naval Academy

·         Kruz Mogel – Air Force Academy

·         Kathryn Shurko – Merchant Marine Academy

·         Beckett Godfrey – Military Academy and Naval Academy

·         Matthew Wang – Air Force Academy and Naval Academy

·         Reese Wenker – Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Military Academy

Deschutes County: 

·         Harrison Jennrich – Naval Academy

·         Keira Schroeder – Military Academy

·         Naomi Bennette – Naval Academy and Air Force Academy

·         West Abrams – Military Academy

·         Clara Rodrigues – Air Force Academy

·         Walter Petkun – Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, and Military Academy

Multnomah County:

·         Liam Flenniken – Air Force Academy

·         Sawyer Best – Merchant Marine Academy

·         Phoebe Fisher – Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Military Academy

Marion County:

·         Ester Gorelik – Air Force Academy, Military Academy, and Naval Academy

You can read more about the Congressional Service Academy Nominations here and below.

The honor of attending a Service Academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

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Central Oregon lawmakers’ caucus outlines top session priorities: Job growth, housing, OSU-Cascades and more

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — State Senator Anthony Broadman, D-Bend, and Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson, R-Prineville announced Wednesday the 2026 session priorities for the bipartisan Central Oregon Legislative Caucus.

The bipartisan group said it will focus on economic development, housing and emergency preparedness to support the region’s growth and safety.

The caucus is a bipartisan and bicameral group designed to facilitate collaborative policy-making for Central Oregonians. The group consists of representatives from various districts in the region, including Bend and Prineville, who work together to address infrastructure and community service needs.

Economic development efforts for the region include the pursuit of House Bill 4084. The measure is designed to retain and grow Oregon businesses while supporting job creation. The caucus also identified recreational waiver reform as a priority to maintain regional competitiveness.

In the area of housing and community services, the caucus is advocating for House Bill 4035. This bill would allow one-time urban growth boundary expansions to increase housing production.

The group is also seeking investment in shelter funding to assist people transitioning from homelessness into stable housing, and is requesting funding for the OSU-Cascades Student Health and Recreation Center.

Emergency preparedness and natural resources priorities involve two specific legislative measures. House Bill 4156 seeks to provide reliable funding for rural emergency response. Additionally, House Bill 4144 aims to reduce fire risks caused by batteries.

Infrastructure investments are also planned to support road safety on rural roadways in Central Oregon.

Broadman, who serves as a co-chair for the bipartisan group, described the 2026 priorities as a continuation of previous regional efforts.

“These caucus priorities reflect our focus on continuing the collaborative work toward building the safe and prosperous region Central Oregonians deserve,” Broadman said.

Rep. Breese-Iverson, co-chair of the caucus, emphasized the need for practical tools to support local families and small businesses.

“Our communities, families and small businesses in Central Oregon need real tools to keep up-affordable housing, stronger emergency response, safer roads and policies that help our local economy thrive without unnecessary burdens,” Breese-Iverson said. “I’m proud to be part of our bipartisan Central Oregon Caucus, to advance these practical priorities that put Central Oregonians first and deliver results for our region.”

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Crook County School Board holds listening sessions after survey shows strong support for interim superintendent

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, results of survey)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County School Board took the first step this week toward potentially appointing Interim Superintendent Dr. Joel Hoff to a permanent position. The move follows a public survey that showed 96.5% of respondents support making the appointment permanent.

More than 400 community members participated in the three-week survey conducted in January, representing a 60% increase in participation compared to the district’s previous public survey on a separate topic. The respondent group was nearly balanced, including 38% of input coming from parents or family members, 35% from staff, and 25% from community residents.

The survey results, presented during the Crook County School Board meeting on Monday, showed an average comfort level of 9.4 out of 10 for Hoff leading the district long-term. Many respondents described the interim superintendent as “visible, relational, and student-centered” while praising his active presence within both the schools and the local community.

While much of the feedback was positive, the survey also highlighted specific areas for potential growth. Respondents noted a need for a clearer long-term vision, more consistent accountability, and stronger district-wide systems.

During the Monday night meeting, board members commended Hoff for his work during his interim tenure. The board indicated interest in gaining more clarity on the specific improvements suggested in the survey through a series of upcoming listening sessions.

A series of public listening sessions begin this week for students, staff, Spanish-speaking families, and more. Dr. Hoff will not be in attendance for these conversations to allow the board to gather additional, honest input before making a final decision. The schedule and locations for these sessions are available on the district website.

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Downtown Bend drivers get relief: Olney Avenue fully reopens, more than a year after project began

Barney Lerten

(Update: Clarifying that construction crews will not have to close down the intersection again)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — More than a year after the city of Bend began an improvement project on a key east-west thoroughfare – work that was beset by several unexpected delays – the final closed stretch of Olney Avenue between Wall Street and First Street reopened to drivers on Wednesday morning.

KTVZ spoke to businesses along Olney, who say the extended closure made it harder for customers to reach them. Dr. Sarah Cummings, medical director at Riverside Animal Hospital, said some clients told her they stopped coming because getting to the clinic had become too difficult.

Dr. Cummings said, “The impact on our clients when that road was closed was huge, because everyone’s trying to find another way to get to us.” Adding, “I do think that it did impact our business this past year. We had more than one client tell us, ‘it’s just too hard to get to you guys right now.'”

The $12 million Olney Avenue Improvements Project that began in early February of last year originally was expected to be finished last fall.

It replaced aging (from the 1950s) water and sewer infrastructure, which the city said was a key step to help keep up with the demand on those systems.

“At the same time, this project made Olney Avenue safer to drive, walk, bike and roll,” the city announcement said, continuing: “The city recognizes that delays impacted travel for many community members and appreciate the patience and understanding shown throughout the project.”

One key step was last May’s reopening of the Olney Avenue-Wall Street intersection, but the street remained closed to the east.

The city explained that the road project was hit by several delays “due to the complexity of coordinating construction with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railways around active rail operations.”

“The city is grateful for its collaboration with BNSF as we worked through some complex issues at the railroad crossing,” the city added.

City Engineering Director Ryan Oster said, “We want to thank our community for their patience and understanding throughout the Olney Avenue project. This project not only provided needed upgrades to our aging water and sewer system, it made it safer for all users of the roadway.”

“We also extend our sincere appreciation to BNSF for their strong partnership and collaboration in bringing this project across the finish line,” Oster added.

City officials also had one added piece of good news to share on Wednesday: Due to the recent unusually warm winter weather, crews were able to get permanent asphalt on all of Olney Avenue in place. They said that means they won’t have to return to the job site in the spring, as previously planned, to finish paving and striping the road.

The Olney Avenue Improvements Project is part of the voter approved 2020 Transportation Go Bond. Olney Avenue connects to schools, parks, trails, businesses and more. These are places that kids, parents, commuters and others in the City traveling east to west need to reach.

You can learn more about the project at bendoregon.gov/olney.

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