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Sandy outlines $70 million drinking-water reinvestment program and warns of a $39.5M funding gap
Summary
City staff and consultants told the Sandy City Council the city needs to complete permitting, design and funding within 18 months to meet a Sept. 2027 compliance timeline; the $70 million program covers Alder Creek upgrades and a Portland-to-Sandy connection, but about $39.5 million is still needed.
Public Works Director Jenny updated the Sandy City Council on the city's drinking-water reinvestment program, describing a two-track plan to shore up Alder Creek and to connect to the Portland Water Bureau's Bull Run system. Jenny said the presentation was informational and that staff were not seeking any decisions from council at the meeting.
"We're not asking for any decisions from council at this time," Jenny said, framing the session as a status report on history, project status, funding and risks. She told council the city is working under a bilateral compliance agreement with EPA and the Oregon Health Authority related to cryptosporidium treatment and must finish major pieces of the program to avoid summer curtailment.
Stantec program manager Talley described a three-step approach: triage to stabilize existing facilities, interim investments to secure reliability through about 2040'45, and a longer-term plan for growth beyond 2045. "September 2027 is key," Talley said, warning that without the Bull Run connection and other work the city could face irrigation curtailments in peak months.
Staff presented the program budget as $70,000,000 total: roughly $20,000,000 allocated for Alder Creek upgrades, about $40,000,000 toward the Portland-to-Sandy connection, and the remainder set as management reserve. Jenny said approximately $17.5 million has been secured for Alder Creek, and staff have expended roughly $2 million to date in design and reimbursable work. She said a remaining funding need of about $39,500,000 remains to complete the package.
Consultants described procurement and schedule steps for Alder Creek's membrane system: 30% design anticipated the next month, 100% design next July, membrane fabrication through 2025 and delivery in early 2026, with commissioning targeted so contractors can complete startup by September 2027.
On the Portland connection, planners said three parallel design tracks are underway: the Bluff Road transmission main, a pump station at the Bull Run site, and treatment improvements at the Revenue Avenue reservoir. Staff said agreements with Portland Water Bureau (two IGAs) are intended to share construction costs and existing assets where feasible to reduce overall cost and speed delivery.
Jenny and consultants repeatedly flagged risks including permitting, financing, and schedule compression. "Permits and funding are the two big items," Jenny said, urging council to prioritize clearing land-use approvals, finalizing design and completing major funding steps so contractors can be procured without driving up prices.
The presentation concluded without a council action request; council later authorized an intergovernmental agreement with Portland Water Bureau during the same meeting (separately reported). Next steps include refining designs, completing land-use permitting and advancing the funding package to secure construction-ready bid documents.
