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The needed improvements do not represent work that was overlooked as part of the last bridge project in the late 1990s. "The art and science of structural engineering has advanced significantly since the bridge was constructed in the 1950s," says City Engineer Mark Schoening. "We can now apply more sophisticated engineering standards to address these issues." The City will contract with OBEC Consulting Engineers to design and oversee the construction of the bridge repairs. Construction may begin as early as this summer. The list of approved bridges by county may be viewed on the web at www.odot.state.or, us/otia/pdfs/OTIA3ApprovedBridges.pdf. OTIA III uses revenue from increased motor vehicle and motor carrier fees to finance transportation construction bonds. For more information about the funding or Ferry Street Bridge repair project, contact City Engineer Mark Schoening at 682-5243. Eugene-lrkutsk Sister City Committee Welcomes Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra The Eugene-lrkutsk Sister City Committee will welcome the internationally known Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra when it performs on Sunday, March 7, at 7 p.m. in Silva Concert Hall. Presented by the Hult Center, Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra's program will include Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 featuring Yuri Rozum and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4. Eugene area audiences will have a rare opportunity to hear music of the Russian masters, played by a distinguished Russian orchestra. It is the first time an international orchestra has performed in Eugene in more than 10 years. Eugene is the only Northwest stop on the orchestra's tour. The prominent Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra began as a radio broadcast ensemble in 1978, modeling itself after the BBC Symphony Orchestra's successful radio series in the United Kingdom. It has since expanded its activities to include film work for Russian, European and American film productions, as well as Russian television soundtracks. It has also developed an extensive educational program to teach young Russian audiences how to experience and understand the symphonic repertoire. Members of the Eugene-lrkutsk Sister City Committee will partner with the Hult Center staff to offer a warm welcome to the members of the orchestra at a reception after the concert. "A visit by such an outstanding and notable Russian organization is the type of friendship and cultural exchanges fostered by the sister city relationships", said Galina Groza, president of the Eugene Sister City Committee. "We are all very excited and honored to have the orchestra concert here." For more information on the concert, contact the Hult Center ticket office at 682-5000. For more information on the Eugene-lrktusk Sister City Committee, contact Galina Groza at 686-0546. EPA Recoqnizes Euqene Wastewater Division as a National Environmental Leader The Public Works Wastewater Division was one of 39 organizations--and the first municipal wastewater agency in the United States--recently selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for membership to the National Environmental Performance Track Program. The national program recognizes facilities that voluntarily exceed regulatory requirements, implement environmental management systems, work closely with their communities, and set three-year goals to continuously improve environmental performance. "The National Environmental Performance Track rewards exceptional progress," said EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt. "We recognize these facilities as environmental leaders because their business models are delivering environmental results beyond what is expected or required." Performance Track members represent a diverse cross-section of industries--electronics, medical and chemical products, machinery, pharmaceutical, transportation equipment, and wood products. Participating facilities receive a Iow priority status for inspections; reduced regulatory, administrative and reporting burdens; and public recognition. These benefits translate to greater efficiency and reduced costs. According to Wastewater Division Director Peter Ruffier, the division was selected because of its established environmental management system, proven track record of compliance, and its leadership in working with other municipal agencies to adopt effective environmental management practices for wastewater services. "Acceptance in the Performance Track program is a tremendous tribute to the staff of the Wastewater Division who have worked very hard to improve their environmental impacts," Ruffier said. "Involvement in the program will put us in contact with other environmental leaders and help us to continue learning and improving." Performance Track currently has 344 members from 43 states and Puerto Rico. Each membership lasts for three years, and participants must submit annual performance reports outlining their progress during this time. For more information, contact Wastewater Division Director Peter Ruffier at 682-8806. EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 March 17, 2004