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Keizer discussion flags statewide water needs, local infrastructure pressures
Summary
Councilors discussed water, wastewater and stormwater funding needs and permit challenges for small cities; presenter cited an LOC survey estimating $6.4 billion in statewide water infrastructure needs and identified permitting and treatment costs as barriers for small cities.
Mr. Brown told the council that the League’s 2024 survey identified large statewide needs for water and wastewater work and urged advocacy for increased, sustained investment in drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and reuse. He said, “The 2024 LOC survey identified $6,400,000,000 of water improvements needed statewide,” and noted smaller cities face difficulty financing and operating treatment plants and staying current with permits.
Councilors discussed local rate structures and intergovernmental agreements — one councilor urged the city examine charges levied by larger providers such as Salem — and noted that wastewater treatment can cost substantially more per unit than supplying potable water. The council did not adopt a separate motion but agreed infrastructure funding would remain on the broader packet (ranked sixth after the final change).
