APWC is leading the development of preliminary designs for two high-priority fish passage improvement projects in Josephine County. Both sites—Iron Creek at Southside Road and Cheney Creek at Fish Hatchery Road—are identified as partial barriers to native fish migration on ODFW’s fish passage priority list.

The Iron Creek project will evaluate low-cost modifications or culvert replacement options to improve passage while maintaining road function. The Cheney Creek project involves replacing an aging box culvert with a bridge and realigning the roadway to improve both ecological and public safety outcomes. This site is also expected to pursue federal construction funding, requiring design compliance with state and federal transportation standards.

Each project is supported by an Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Technical Assistance Grant and will result in a 30% preliminary design package suitable for future funding and permitting.