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Engineers present $25M estimate for citywide sewer, water and street needs; commission urged to set public priorities
Summary
Televising and hydraulic reviews found clay sanitary pipe, at least 35 brick manholes, and asbestos‑cement water mains; engineers estimated a full citywide remediation at roughly $25.4 million and recommended phased planning, grant pursuit and public engagement.
City engineering staff presented a multi‑utility assessment to the Hillsboro City Commission after winter televising and data analysis, describing widespread aging infrastructure and offering options for staged replacement and funding.
Engineers reported a majority of sanitary lines constructed of vitrified clay, discovered at least 35 brick manholes (primarily in older parts of town), and identified large sections where trenchless rehabilitation methods are feasible (CIPP or pipe bursting) but other sections will require open‑cut replacement because of sags or missing pipe segments. On the water side, engineers noted a prevalence of asbestos‑cement (AC) mains approaching the end of expected life; they advised replacement when those streets are otherwise open for excavation.
A high‑level combined estimate for full construction of sanitary sewer, water, stormwater and pavement reconstruction came to roughly $25.4 million. The presentation outlined three phasing options: (1) targeted critical repairs only; (2) a medium program combining priority underground fixes with selected surface work; and (3) a full citywide program that would capture economies of scale. The consultant pointed to examples in similarly sized communities where phased grant coordination, state water commission funding and special assessments were used to finance large projects.
Engineers recommended next steps: prepare a preliminary engineering report/facility plan to support SRF and USDA funding applications; hold public meetings using imagery and tape footage from the televising to explain conditions; and develop three budget scenarios so residents can weigh options. Commission members asked for timelines tied to the budget process and discussed whether to prioritize streets ahead of a 2031 city celebration.
What happens next: staff will circulate a draft technical memo, evaluate grant and funding options, and await direction from the commission on whether to instruct consultants to prepare a facility plan and phased project options for public review and budgeting.
