Stabilizing the Powder's Banks

Jason Hedgepeth first digs a trench to place at least half the diameter of the rock below the river bed as he continues work on the Powder River Restoration Project. He said trucks have unloaded about 600 yards of various size rock so far. Hedgepeth of Hanging Rock Construction and Excavation Inc., in La Grande, said some riverside properties along the west side of Kirkway, between H Street and Hughes Lane, are being rebuilt at the property’s present grade to about the original property line. Land owners are required to pay $187 for materials and labor, but can choose whether or not to have their sections rebuilt or stabilized. Some land owners with seemingly stable banks are having the work done to return the river to more natural appearance. Weirs also will be constructed to help direct the flow of the river. The Leo Adler Memorial Parkway along the Kirkway section, from the H Street bridge to Hughes Lane, will remain closed through October, perhaps longer, Hedgepeth said, because of more land owners opting to have work done.