Oregon Department of Transportation had explored about 21 different options for the safety and congestion problems along U.S. 97 in the north end of Bend. ODOT Region 4 Manager Bob Bryant says in their Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the corridor, they have narrowed down the options to two; both are very similar. “Most of the alternative is common between the two. Where it was most difficult is how we connect back to the community and back onto Third Street on the north end of town. So essentially the primary difference between the two." Bryant says they are still at basically the talking stage at this point; and have set a public hearing date for August 24^th, where anyone can express their concerns or ask questions. The draft report can be viewed at your public library or at the ODOT website: www.US97solutions.org.