Willamette Falls Locks Opens Saturday to The Public

Funding for Oregon's historic Willamette Locks has greatly evaporated under the Bush administration, but a collaboration of government and private groups means new hope for one of the state's oldest landmarks on the Willamette River.

Willamette Locks Photo By: Tim King

(WEST LINN) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today that the Willamette Falls Locks will open to the public beginning Saturday, May 20th.

The locks will open from 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM, May 20th , for the third annual Lock Fest, sponsored by the Willamette Falls Heritage Foundation.

A signing ceremony will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the locks to celebrate the collaborative agreement between the Corps and various local, state and private-sector partners that allows for operation of the locks this year and development of a plan for long-term operations.

The locks will remain open through the end of the month from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Thursday through Monday.

Lock operations will continue throughout the summer season, which typically lasts until late September, however specific operating hours are as yet to be determined.