On July 27, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown signed Senate Bill 131 into law, creating a 17-member Task Force on the Willamette Falls Navigation Canal and Locks.

Once convened, the task force is charged with compiling information related to the impact of reopening the canal and locks. Among the topics that will be investigated are exploring potential new economic opportunities, analyzing their importance regarding emergency planning, seeking out recreational and commercial uses, and considering the process by which the locks can be repaired and reopened. Members of the task force are now being identified and the group should convene in the fall, with anticipated completion of work by the end of 2017.

This legislation is the culmination of efforts by the National Trust and its partners since Willamette Falls Canal and Locks was named a National Treasure and we are excited to see the final report from this Task Force.