Council told tens of millions of water projects remain; financing and state partnership next steps

Staff reviewed the adopted water system capital plan and told council it identifies tens of millions of dollars in prioritized projects (seismic reinforcement, system modernization and pipe work). The immediate next steps, staff said, are a rate analysis and identifying financing pathways (state capital requests, federal pass‑through grants and potential bonds) to match the multi‑year work program.

Councilors asked about timing and dependencies with large regional projects that affect billing and compliance (for example, ODOT work on adjacent projects that must meet certain environmental requirements before pass‑through funds can be used). Staff said some federal/state grant funding could be treated as pass‑through to ODOT for projects where ODOT is the project lead, and that the city must secure documentation that ODOT has met funding conditions before funds can be released. Council asked staff to return details on rate‑model scenarios and contingencies that would be required if South Fork Water Board or state partners adjust timelines or funding.