PORTLAND - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has authorized a 148-slip marina development on Foster Reservoir near Sweet Home.

The decision came in a Finding of No Significant Impact issued on Friday from the Corps' Portland District.

The Corps found that the marina development is consistent with the purposes of the Foster Dam project and local land use classifications, meets public needs and interests while protecting natural resource values, and is economically viable.

The finding cleared the way for the Corps to grant a lease to Edgewater RV Resort and Marina LLC to build the marina on the southwest shore of Foster Lake, and to manage the adjacent shoreline from the area known as "the bench" to Shea Point.

Construction is expected to start within days and Edgewater RV Resort and Marina hopes to complete the first phase in time for use this summer. The first phase includes the main walkway and part of the first row of slips.

The Corps made the decision after considering a draft Environmental Assessment issued in March 2009 and the written public comments received in response to it.

The Corps and Edgewater RV Resort and Marina held two public meetings in June 2008 and March 2009 as part of the public involvement process.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates Foster Dam and Reservoir as part of a system of 13 multi-purpose dams and reservoirs in the Willamette River drainage system.

For more information about the project, visit www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/v/home.asp.