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Astoria adopts CSO integrated plan, acknowledges multi‑million dollar remaining work and extended timeline
Summary
The City of Astoria adopted a resolution supporting a combined sewer overflow (CSO) integrated plan that extends DEQ deadlines and seeks grant opportunities; staff said remaining work could cost $25–30 million and timeline for Phase 5 was extended from 2028 to 2044.
The Astoria City Council on Oct. 6 adopted a resolution supporting the city’s combined sewer overflow (CSO) integrated plan, staff said, a step intended to secure flexibility with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and pursue grant funding to reduce rate pressure on residents.
"City staff has been working diligently for the past 32 years to meet that stipulation order that was implemented by DEQ," City Manager Scott Spence told the council, noting prior investments of about $25,000,000 and saying the remaining work could require an additional $25,000,000 to $30,000,000. "So to take on an additional 25 or maybe even $30,000,000 is gonna put additional rate burden on our communities." (City Manager Scott Spence)
What the resolution does: According to staff, the integrated plan formalizes a long‑range approach with DEQ, extends the compliance timeline for Phase 5 work (staff said the deadline moved from 2028 to 2044), and identifies opportunities to leverage FEMA and other grants for targeted projects—particularly in Uptown areas—to reduce stormwater inflow to the combined system.
Financial and service implications: Staff said about one‑third of typical utility bills are attributable to stormwater/CSO costs, and the council acknowledged that additional borrowing or rate increases would be required if grant funding or other offsets are not available. Public Works Director Jeff Harrington and city engineer Cindy Moore were credited by staff for preparing the plan.
Council outcome: Councilor Adams moved to adopt the resolution as presented; the council approved the measure by voice vote.
Next steps: Staff will pursue grant opportunities and present implementation options and funding scenarios to the council as they develop, and will continue coordination with DEQ on the integrated planning process.
