Clackamas County board approves alternative procurement to replace Sandy River Lane force main

Greg Guys, director of Water Environment Services, told the board the Sandy River Lane force main was exposed during December flooding and that staff secured permission for a temporary emergency fix this summer. He said a permanent repair is required by next summer to "avoid potential catastrophic failure," and recommended a progressive design‑build procurement driven by schedule and risk to speed replacement.

"We need to get a permanent fix done by next summer to avoid potential catastrophic failure," Guys said while describing the proposed schedule‑driven approach and public notice the department would issue.

Director Helm moved to approve the alternative procurement process; Commissioner Shrader seconded. The Water Environment Services board polled and approved the motion (4–0; Director West was absent). Gary Schmidt, county administrator, confirmed staff will proceed with public notification and return with procurement details and necessary contracting documents.

The county gave an initial estimate of about $1.5 million for the permanent replacement. Staff characterized the procurement choice as intended to reduce schedule risk and provide a single team responsibility during design and construction.

Next steps: staff will post the procurement notice, refine the cost and schedule estimates, and bring back contract documents for any required board approvals. The board asked staff to keep the public and affected jurisdictions informed while work proceeds.