Paul Hammerquist

Central Oregon ODOT GRAVEL PIT UPDATE



On April 19, 2001 ODOT released the following information on their website

regarding the Bend/Sisters/Redmond Aggregate Study:



At the request of the Region 4 Manager, Bob Bryant, all work related to this

( developing gravel pits ) project has been put on hold for an indefinite

period of time. This includes sites located on BLM property and Site G

located on USFS land. Mr. Bryant has requested this cessation of action to

allow further review of comments received from the public and review the

justification for proceeding. ODOT will notify all interested parties should

the project resume at any level.



The state agency also said it would review the need for creating a network

of state-owned quarries and asphalt batch plants on public lands in Central

Oregon.



The plan was opposed by many local groups, recreationlists, homeowners,

mountain bikers and others who said a new quarry was unnecessary and would

worsen traffic, damage roads and ruin the area?s scenic beauty and

recreational value.



The Central Oregon Trail Alliance would like to thank all those who helped

put a stop to this project by signing our petetions, writing letters and

attending all of the related public and private meetings that were held. We

would also like add a special word of thanks to Mr. Paul Dewey who gave COTA

his valuable legal expertise to help end this project. We will continue to

monitor any future attempts by ODOT and USFS to place large aggregate

quarries and asphalt batch plants in the Bend area.   Thank you.



Paul Hammerquist

COTA President



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