"Waterfront is a rebirth to Coos Bay Community"
By Erica Rush, KCBY NewsCOOS BAY, Ore. -At last a good deed has not gone unnoticed. And for the Coos County Historical Society, it was because of the hard work from a community and Governing Officials that earned them their long sought after Deed to their Waterfront property this weekend. MultimediaGathering at the future Coos Historical & Maritime Center in Coos Bay Saturday morning, were many supports for the Board's public celebration, "Back to the Water's Edge." Displays were set up with local traditional Maritime crafts and historic waterfront images interpreted by local students. Special guest and project advocate, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, was also in attendance. Currently working on obtaining $500,000 in Appropriation Grants for the project, he called the waterfront a "rebirth." "A community coming together to rebirth this area as a part of a strong addition to the community, and strong addition to the economy and I just want to applaud all of you," said Merkley. Among hearing from other guest speakers on the makeshift stage, the crowning moment of the day included Coos Bay Mayor Jeff McKeown, transferring the Title to the site. According to Vice President of the Board, Jennifer Groth, this was an uphill climb to settle an ownership dispute with the Department of State Lands and contamination issues with DEQ, but now she says, it's all coming together. "I can tell you it represents a lot of work on the part of a lot of people so it kind of is exhilarating for us and thrilling to be able to come here and get the deed and start the first steps toward construction," said Groth. And in dramatic fashion, three full dump trucks unloaded the base rock on the site, as the U.S. Coast Guard Tug Boat shot off water in the bay. The 19,000 square foot Regional Center will include a Waterfront Plaza, a Museum and an Exhibition Center. Most Popular
|
Upload directly from your mobile device. Learn howYouNews
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
Stay Connected |
Connect with KCBYPOLL: Extreme Katie's Next Adventure |
February 8, 2012
- Coos Bay / North Bend, Oregon
