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.
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
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California Reservoir Project at Risk of Forfeiting $171 Million in State Funding
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Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
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Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
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USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
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