Portland City Council advances 'River Plan'

Portland city commissioners unanimously voted today to advance an environmental mitigation plan for the North reach of the Willamette River.

Businesses aren't happy. They wanted to pay a fee instead of deal with a new regulatory process. But Portland Mayor Sam Adams has said that if this works, the river will be healthier, more wildlife habitat protected and industry -- yes industry -- would even flourish in this long neglected part of the city.

Environmentalists and others supportive of the plan are happy. Bob Sallinger, the conservation director of the Audubon Society of Portland, said he's graduated from law school, married and had children in the 9 years it has taken since the River Renaissance effort launched in 2001.
 
Council will vote formally on the North Reach “River Plan” on April 15. It’s co-sponsored by the mayor and City Commissioner Amanda Fritz.

Read more about it here.