The DOT has been having meetings with some of the officials and government
board members in this area, with the purpose of reviewing changes to the
highway design and revised project plan.

The final EIS will be out early in 2003.  The final decision for the route is
expected in April 2003.

Earlier this year James Properties donated 100 acres of land to the Linn
County Conservation Board.  This land lies in the path of the proposed
roadbed.  We know it is home to the Byssus skipper, an endangered butterfly.
There is a nesting pair of mute swans.  We suspect that there are other
interesting plants and animals on the property.

We are looking for a specialist in identifying bats.  Can any of you give me
a names of people who are able to do field studies on bats?

As more tests are done on the locations of the proposed roadbed, the
engineers have been finding that the ground near the Cedar River cannot
support the bridge structure that was planned.  The current plan is for a
much longer bridge over the river, which also dictates a much higher bridge.
In order to accomplish this new bridge, an additional borrow pit will be dug
on the west side of the river, and to the north of the proposed road.  Based
on the Draft EIS, the addition of this new borrow pit brings the total to 6
to 7 borrow pits being dug for an 8-mile road.

thanks,
Pam