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Scappoose details ARPA-funded water and wastewater upgrades, reservoir and biosolids dryer
Summary
City staff told the Dec. 16 council meeting that ARPA and other funds will pay for a new reservoir, additional wells, a biosolids dryer and wastewater upgrades; construction is underway on several projects and staff said ARPA deadlines are being met.
City officials gave a detailed public-works briefing Dec. 16 outlining a package of ARPA-funded water and wastewater projects intended to address aging infrastructure and expand supply.
Public Works Director Dave Soukow told the Scappoose City Council the city received direct ARPA allocations and larger infrastructure awards that have enabled work on wells, a reservoir replacement and a new biosolids dryer. "ARPA stands for the American Rescue Plan Act. The city of Scappoose was awarded $1,680,077 from the coronavirus state and local recovery funds," Soukow said, and staff also identified a larger pool of funds for infrastructure projects.
Why it matters: Council was presented with cost estimates and a financing plan that combine ARPA awards, urban renewal funds and a preapproved loan. Soukow said an updated reservoir plan trimmed cost compared with retrofitting existing tanks and that contractors are already on site. Council was given a project estimate of about $10,000,000 for the reservoir with roughly $4.95 million in ARPA funds and a $2,950,000 preapproved loan to help bridge the remainder.
Staff also updated council on well-drilling and distribution work. The city has completed Dutch Canyon Well No. 3 (staff cited project cost and ARPA support) and is drilling a basalt well to reach an additional, higher-quality source. Soukow noted the basalt-drilling effort is proceeding slowly and that crews are monitoring depth and costs as they go. "When we get to that 600-foot mark, that's where we need to look and start budget," he said, describing a decision point for continuing to drill.
On wastewater, staff reported work on a Phase 1 aeration basin at the treatment plant with a multi-million-dollar budget. Construction staff said a concrete floor pour was scheduled and that the basin work is moving forward toward a 2026 completion. The biosolids dryer is nearing commissioning: treatment staff reported sample results and operational tuning, noting "we have about 12,000 pounds in there right now" as crews work to reach target solids and finalize automated routines.
City Manager Benjamin Berger and councilors pressed staff on schedules, change-order processes and the risk of cost increases. Soukow described typical contingencies and engineering-review steps. On financing, staff said ARPA awards were time-limited but that the city is not at risk of losing funds and is tracking deadlines closely.
Next steps: Staff said bids and designs will move forward early next year on distribution projects (Oak Street and Myrtle), finishing water-meter replacements (currently about 60% complete), and continuing construction on the reservoir, pump station and wastewater facilities. Council did not take additional formal action during the presentation but accepted the update and asked staff to continue reporting on schedule and costs.
Sources: Presentation by Public Works Director Dave Soukow and technical updates from treatment-plant staff Daryl Sykes and Kevin Turner at the Dec. 16 Scappoose City Council meeting.
