Though the plan to move water storage capacity for the Washington Park reservoirs underground is getting more expensive, the project must be completed to comply with federal regulations.
The cost of bringing Portland's Washington Park reservoirs into compliance with federal regulations is rising—now at $190 million after increasing by $20 million since eight months ago. Brad Schmidt reports, however, that the price increase will not deter the city from completing the project, even if the price continues to rise.
According to Schmidt, the "reservoir project would mark the city's second-most expensive public works effort behind the $1.4 billion Big Pipe." When complete in 2024, the project won't change the appearance of the reservoir, though storage will move to an underground facility. Schmidt explains:
Officials plan to replace the open-air Reservoir 3 with a closed underground reservoir that features a reflective pond on top, similar in appearance to what's there now. Reservoir 4 will be disconnected from the water system but Portland will build a bioswale and reflective pool.
Read the full story: Portland reservoir project increases (again) to $190 million
Mississippi Investigated for Civil Rights Violations in Jackson Water Crisis
The NAACP has accused a pair of Mississippi departments of discrimination against Black Mississippians, leading to the loss of drinking water in the state's capital city at the end of the summer.
Environmentalists Object to California Desalination Plan
Critics of a controversial desalination project planned for Orange County claim Governor Newsom is pressuring officials to support the plant in spite of environmental concerns.
California Reservoir Project at Risk of Forfeiting $171 Million in State Funding
The Temperance Flat Reservoir Project might be falling too far behind schedule to maintain a huge chunk of state funding, according to reports.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet
Get ready for that new train smell and more seats. But they won’t go faster or run more frequently on the Cascades route in Washington and Oregon.
Brightline Florida files for bankruptcy
The transit company is over $5 billion in debt.
St. Louis Metro to test if single-car trains can reduce operating costs, maintain rider satisfaction
The pilot program will run from October to spring 2027, and begin with one single-car train operating on Metrolink’s Red and Blue lines.
Pennsylvania is building data centers in abandoned mines
Housing data centers in mines provides an alternative to destroying local forests and may spare residents from data centers’ noise and air pollution.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
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