Port Orchard committee hears Old Clifton water project design update, $652,000 loan application

Port Orchard — The Port Orchard utilities committee was told May 12 that the Old Clifton water project is nearing 60% design and that the city has applied for a $652,000 low‑interest public works loan, Dennis Ryan, Port Orchard—ity nd public works director, said.

Ryan said consulting engineering has completed much of the booster‑pump design and staff has a scope ready to carry the project design from 60% to 100%. He told the committee, "we have a active application in for the lowinterest public works loan for $652,000," and that the lender is expected to make a final decision in June. If approved, Ryan said the loan will be presented to city council for acceptance and staff will seek authorization to award the contract to finish design and move toward construction.

Committee members and staff said they are tracking a construction start around summer 2027. Chair Jay Rose Pepe asked staff to coordinate early public outreach about traffic impacts tied to a county SR3 project on the city's west side and to notify nearby residents earlier than the county's timeline so motorists can plan for disruptions.

The update included next steps and dependencies: final loan decision in June, council acceptance if the loan is awarded, completion of design to 100% and then procurement. No formal motions or votes were taken on May 12. The committee did not set a firm construction contract award date; staff said procurement and final funding decisions will determine the schedule.

What's next: staff will return to council with loan documents and contract recommendations if the loan is approved; outreach and coordination with the county on SR3 impacts will be scheduled ahead of major construction windows.