Engineers report wastewater plant roughly 70–75% complete; substantial completion targeted this fall

Keller Associates updated the Preston City Council on construction progress at the new wastewater treatment plant, reporting roughly 70–75% completion. Engineers said most major concrete pours are finished with only a few large pours remaining; they expect substantial completion for the majority of the treatment plant this fall and final completion in January–February 2026.

Council members and engineers discussed on-site conditions (mud, gravel, stage paving) and construction sequencing, as well as outreach options such as an open house next spring so residents can see the facility before rate changes take effect. Staff noted the project is generally on target and currently on or under budget, though they cautioned that unexpected items could arise during startup.

Project team members also reviewed grant and loan timing: the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) loan is expected to be paid off by the end of August and USDA documents require grant funds to be committed within a timeframe that staff said has showed flexibility in past projects. Council asked staff to follow up with USDA and DEQ to ensure timing and accounting for grant commitments and potential early closeouts.