The Bend City Council was almost unanimous in approving a roughly 55-thousand dollar authorization for the U.S. Forest Service to begin working on the Bridge Creek Pipeline project.

Mayor Jeff Eager said if they can begin the environmental analysis soon, the construction of the pipeline could coincide with the Skyliner's Road project, and that would save the city millions of dollars.  "I think it wouldn't be responsible for us, as much as I would not like to be talking about water at my last city council meeting, I think it would be irresponsible for us to not move this forward to keep the timeline in tact; consistent with what this council approved unanimously, which is to go forward with the modified environmental assessment."

Councilor Mark Capell added that there will now be more time for public input on the project.

City Manager Eric King reassured the Council that, if the new Council pulls back on the project, the funding would be reduced to whatever work was already done.