A creek that winds through south Eugene will become a wilder place thanks to a $2.7 million grant from the federal government.
The City of Eugene has secured grant funding to remove a 65-year-old concrete channel of Amazon Creek from East 24th Avenue to East 20th Avenue.
The banks of the channel, within Amazon Park, will be replanted with native species. The project also includes a new footbridge. Marion Suitor Barnes with Eugene Public Works said the concrete is a hazard in case of an earthquake.
“Primarily, we’re really excited about returning that to a more natural creek area that’s going to be a lot more inviting to flora and fauna,” she said. “Just a lot more pleasant to be around and much more appropriate for a park setting.”
The city will also plant shade trees along the creek bank to help keep the water cool for wildlife and fish.
The FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant covers most of the $3.6 million project. The remaining cost will come from local sources, including the stormwater utility fund, stormwater system development charges, and the 2018 Parks and Recreation Bond.
The city applied for the grant in 2020.
Work is scheduled to start this June with completion expected in November.
