A diverse group of concerned citizens, including business leaders, conservationists and academics have been following the Surface Water Project since it was first introduced in 2009. After repeated attempts to express their concerns with the project to decision-makers, the group formed a coalition and created a petition to engage the rest of the community on this project. They created the website www.bendwater.info as an alternate information source about the Surface Water Improvement Project (SWIP). That website is still a great source for background information on the SWIP, but www.stopthedrain.org is the new website for information about the campaign, events, and what you can do to help.
Petition to Stop the Drain
I wish to state my opposition to the proposed City of Bend's Surface Water Improvement Project (SWIP), which would cost Bend nearly $70 million, reduce flows in Tumalo Creek, and raise rate-payers' bills more than 40% in the near future. I believe this project is misdirected and the process should be reopened for public participation and reassessment of alternatives.
