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Columbia council approves $520 million CPWS plan and multi-year rate increases after hours of public comment
Summary
After multiple hours of testimony and sharp debate, Columbia City Council voted 5-2 to approve a $520 million Columbia Power & Water Systems plan that includes a downstream Duck River intake and staged rate increases; state regulators said the intake permit is fully issued and CPWS is at ~93% capacity.
Mayor Mulder and a majority of the City of Columbia City Council voted to approve an ordinance that will increase water rates over a five-year schedule to finance a roughly $520 million long-term water supply program proposed by Columbia Power & Water Systems (CPWS).
The vote, on second consideration of ordinance 4577, passed 5-2 after more than three hours of public hearings and dozens of speakers who both urged immediate action and demanded pauses to explore regional alternatives. Councilmember Marshall moved the ordinance; Councilmember McCollum seconded. The roll call was: McCollum Aye, Huffman No, Seacrest Aye, Marshall Aye, McKelvey Aye, Vice Mayor McBroom Aye, Mayor Mulder No.
CPWS officials told council the plan centers on a new downstream intake on the Duck River, construction of a treatment facility, pipeline work and related infrastructure. Jonathan Harden of CPWS said the utility is operating near…
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