Council approves wastewater facilities plan, staff to pursue funding for $68 million CIP

Umatilla — The city council voted to approve a 20-year wastewater facilities plan that identifies $68,000,000 in capital projects (in 2024 dollars) and moves the city forward to pursue grants and design work, city engineers told the council on Aug. 20.

Albus Azari of GEP Engineers presented the plan, saying its primary purpose is to qualify projects for Department of Environmental Quality funding and to give the city a prioritized list of renewal and expansion projects. "Overall, it's in good shape," Azari said of the collection system, but he noted a few capacity bottlenecks and aging equipment that will require replacement.

The plan recommends a capital-improvement strategy and proposes a set of near- and long-term projects, including a wastewater-treatment-plant upgrade planned in design for next year and estimated at about $10,000,000. Azari told council that the plan also includes a $2,000,000 forgivable principal contribution attached to that project. The 20-year capital program totals about $68,000,000 in today's dollars, he said, and staff recommended reengaging a rate consultant to evaluate long-term rate impacts.

Council members asked staff about project phasing, potential rate implications and grant eligibility. Staff said the adopted CIP would allow the city to apply for state and federal funding programs, naming the Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency among potential sources, and noted other partners such as Business Oregon had previously contributed to similar projects.

After discussion, council members moved and seconded a resolution to adopt the wastewater facilities plan and authorize staff to proceed with the next steps, including design, grant applications and coordination for bidding. The chair announced the motion carried. The record in the transcript does not include roll-call vote counts or a detailed vote tally.