Eugene Water and Electric has chosen the University of Oregon Foundation as developer of its property along the Willamette River. EWEB Commissioners made the selection from three candidates at their Tuesday meeting.
The vote was 4 to 0. Joe Harwood is spokesman for EWEB. He says commissioners felt the U of O Foundation has a long term commitment to the community.
Harwood: "You know a local investment opportunity by the foundation was considered a significant win-win. And, so that really seemed to give the U of O Foundation the edge, was the fact that they're invested in this community now and they will be in the future."
The other two finalists under consideration were Trammell Crow Company and Wiliams and Dame Development, both Portland-based. EWEB and the Foundation will begin negotiations on an initial development agreement, including setting a price for the property. The idea is to create a mixed use development on the 17 acre property that connects the city to the river. Harwood has another piece of news from Tuesday's board meeting. EWEB does not plan to raise electricity rates next year.
