BEND, OR -- State Representative Knute Buehler (R-Bend) has launched a coalition for the Mirror Pond project. He has introduced legislation that would provide $5-million in state funding from lottery dollars for the project. Rep. Buehler talked about the vision for the future of the pond at last weekend's Bend town hall. "In addition to improving the flow and making the river healthier, it will increase recreation along the river and turn some of the unused land into economic development."

Some of the community organizations supporting the Mirror Pond project include Bend Parks and Recreation, the Bend City Council, the Bend Chamber of Commerce, Deschutes River Conservancy and The Environmental Center.  Rep. Buehler is asking coalition members to be ready to speak in Salem in support of his legislation asking for state funds.