Gazette-Times

The state Public Utility Commission is planning to ask Corvallis residents on Thursday where, what and who should get a new area code within the current 541 area code region.

The PUC expects to run out of possible phone number combinations for the 541 area code by 2011. The 541 area code includes Corvallis and much of Oregon outside of Portland and Salem.

Because it takes a long time to implement a new area code, the PUC is starting its public comment process now. The public is invited to an "open house" at noon at the Benton County Fairgrounds conference room, 110 S.W. 53rd St.

The three-member board includes chairman Lee Beyer and commissioners Ray Baum and John Savage. Direct questions to public affairs specialist Bob Valdez 503-378-8962. The meeting is the first of 18 planned around Oregon.

More information is posted on the PUC's website at www.puc.state.or.us Interested persons also can e-mail their comments to PUC.541@state.or.us.

A decision is expected this fall.