BEND, OR -- A controversial bill that would prevent the Bend Parks and Recreation District from building a bridge over the scenic Deschutes River passed the State House, last month. But, there has been little movement in the Senate. Supporters say the bridge is needed to connect the two sides of the Deschutes River Trail on the south side of Bend.

Even if HB 2027 is defeated or amended, Horton says the proposed bridge still isn't a guarantee. "All that our board is asking for is allow the public process to work out. Even if this bill does not go through, it doesn't mean the public process is over with. We still have to go through State Parks; we still have to go through the federal process, which is called NEPA. And the NEPA analysis will really look at the environmental consequences of putting a bridge in. Through the NEPA process, we still may not be allowed to do the bridge. So, we're just asking for this process to be able to unfold." And, if the proposal is approved at all levels, Horton says construction will take a while. "I think the planning process will take at least five years. And then after that's over with, designing the bridge and installing it would take at least another year, so we're talking six or seven years, at the earliest."