Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wastewater Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Brookings authorizes $9.16 million contract for wastewater treatment plant upgrades tied to $30.2 million USDA package
Summary
The council authorized the city manager to execute a $9,156,809 contract with HP Civil for wastewater treatment plant improvements. The work is part of a larger package funded by USDA Rural Development loans and grants, DEQ interim financing and a city contribution, intended to expand sewer capacity and support housing connections.
The Brookings City Council on Aug. 11 authorized the city manager to execute a contract with HP Civil in the amount of $9,156,809 for wastewater treatment plant improvement work, part of a larger project funded through a USDA Rural Development loan and grant package and city contributions.
City staff summarized the funding package: USDA Rural Development (USDA RD) approved a $24,996,000 loan and a $2,569,000 grant for wastewater system improvements; the city is contributing approximately $2,648,000, bringing the total project funding to about $30,213,120. Staff said the USDA RD loan terms are 40 years at 2% interest. Because USDA RD provides reimbursement rather than upfront construction financing, the city secured interim financing through the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ); staff reported the DEQ interim financing application was approved in September 2022.
The project scope includes upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant — notably replacement of the ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system — as well as collection system repairs and replacements, lining projects, and extensions to connect the Southwestern Oregon Community College Brookings campus and the Lone Ranch area. Staff described one major element as a pump station that will enable gravity flow from the North End, Lone Ranch and the college to the treatment plant, and said the city originally applied for the USDA package nearly a decade ago.
The city solicited bids through a formal request for proposals issued June 17, 2025, held a mandatory pre‑bid site meeting and received two responsive bidders. Jacobs Engineering reviewed bids received July 29, 2025, and recommended awarding the contract to HP Civil as the low, qualified bidder; the base bid included major equipment, mobilization, installation, temporary pumping, and a $500,000 allowance for painting and coating repairs.
Councilors and staff acknowledged the scale of the work and the effort required to secure the funding. City staff said the USDA/DEQ structure requires periodic reimbursement requests and staff have been coordinating with those agencies on reimbursements and interim financing arrangements.
A motion to authorize the city manager to execute the contract with HP Civil for $9,156,809 passed on a council roll call. The council recorded affirmative votes in roll call and the motion carried.
Staff will proceed with contract execution and construction planning; the item will be followed by project management, reimbursement requests to USDA RD and DEQ, and continued public updates as construction progresses.
