House Bill 2564 (2021) established the Willamette Falls Locks Authority–a public corporation with the mission to establish ownership, oversight, and management of the Willamette Falls Locks project, for the purposes of enhancing the economic vitality of Oregon through facilitating the resiliency and navigability of the Willamette River and repairing, maintaining, upgrading and operating the Willamette Falls Locks project and associated properties and facilities for commercial, transportation, recreational, cultural, historic, heritage and tourism purposes. Oregon Solutions is helping to staff and facilitate the Willamette Falls Locks Authority.
The establishment of the Willamette Falls Locks Authority concluded the work of the Willamette Falls Locks Commission, whose mission it was to advise state, local, and regional government agencies on development and implementation of a plan for repair, reopening, operation, and maintenance of the Willamette Falls navigation canal and locks. The work of the commission followed on the work of the 2016 Willamette Falls Locks Task Force. Oregon Solutions facilitated the work of both the commission and the task force.
Hiring Executive Director
The Willamette Falls Locks Authority, an Oregon public corporation, seeks a skilled leader to be the authority’s first executive director. The executive director will report to the Willamette Falls Locks Authority board and will lead the effort to restore and reopen the Willamette Falls Locks as directed by the authority. A proven track record of building energy and momentum on a project is critical, as are skills for managing complex projects and drawing in new funders and partners. See the job description and application instructions here. (PDF)
Upcoming Meeting
Willamette Falls Locks Authority Meeting #15
Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Online via Zoom webinar: https://pdx.zoom.us/j/84395020261 (attendee link)
The Willamette Falls Locks Authority meets monthly, as needed, on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
Public Input
The public is welcome to submit comments to the Willamette Falls Locks Authority at any time regarding the future of the locks. Email comments to Turner Odell at the address below.
Contact
For more information or to join the interested parties email list of the Willamette Falls Locks Authority, contact:
Turner Odell
Senior Project Manager
Oregon Consensus/Oregon Solutions
National Policy Consensus Center
Portland State University
todell@pdx.edu
Background Materials
Roster of Members of Willamette Falls Locks Authority as of September 28, 2022 (PDF)
Bylaws of the Willamette Falls Locks Authority – Approved August 24, 2022 (PDF)
House Bill 2564-Enrolled establishing the Willamette Falls Locks Authority (PDF)
Business Meeting Materials
(Meeting materials coming soon)
September 28, 2022
August 24, 2022
July 27, 2022
June 22, 2022
May 11, 2022
March 30, 2022