Eugene to Host Millrace Dam Open House on November 9
The city will share feasibility study results regarding potential modifications to the historic Willamette River dam.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Utilities
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The City of Eugene will hold a community open house on November 9, 2026, to discuss the findings of a recent feasibility study on the Millrace Low Head Dam. Officials plan to present various options for removing or modifying the structure, which has existed for over 100 years.
Why it matters
The Millrace Low Head Dam has long posed significant safety hazards to river users, including multiple near-drowning incidents. This study seeks to address those risks while ensuring the long-term integrity of the Willamette River.
The city commissioned the feasibility study in 2025 to evaluate the aging dam, which has been in the river for more than 100 years. The community event is scheduled to take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The players
City of Eugene
This local government body is responsible for managing public infrastructure and addressing safety concerns within the municipality.
Dowl Engineering
This professional services firm specializes in civil engineering, planning, and environmental projects for public and private sector clients.
Department of State Lands
This state agency manages state-owned land and waterways to ensure environmental compliance and public safety.
The details
Dowl Engineering conducted the assessment, measuring various alternatives against necessary river integrity and safety benchmarks. The study was funded through a partnership between the City of Eugene and the Department of State Lands.
Timeline
The city commissioned the Millrace Low Head Dam feasibility study in 2025.
The community open house is scheduled for November 9, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Market Landscape
The move to re-evaluate aging dams reflects a broader trend of municipal infrastructure modernization driven by environmental and public safety mandates. By addressing this 100-year-old structure, Eugene follows a standard industry practice of prioritizing hazard mitigation in urban water management.
Residents and frequent river users can provide direct input on the future of the dam during the upcoming open house session. This feedback may influence how the city ultimately addresses the safety risks currently posed by the aging structure.
The takeaway
The upcoming meeting serves as a critical opportunity for locals to understand the safety trade-offs of removing or modifying long-standing river infrastructure. Public engagement is essential for city officials to balance historical preservation with modern safety standards.
Further reading
Learn more about local infrastructure projects in Eugene Utilities.
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize removing public infrastructure that threatens community safety?
