Council updated on sewer plans

Funding a $5.8 million sewer separation project in Portland could be a bit tricky.

An official with The Schneider Corporation told Portland City Council members that the north side sewer separation project will be pricy, and the city likely will not be able to find grants to cover 100 percent of the cost.

"This (funding) is something we need to look at really quickly," said Paul Vincent, project manager for The Schneider Corporation. "We hope to bid the project in February (2011)," and start construction in the spring of 2011, he said.

Vincent said funding options include grants, loans, city utility funds and the possibility of increasing utility rates. The city hasn't yet applied for any grants, but city officials are eying some with application deadlines this summer, he said.

Mayor Bruce Hosier plans to lobby for project funding during a trip to Washington D.C., March 16-19.

Portland and cities around the country are being required by the federal government to separate storm and sewer lines. The city's long-term control plan, approved by state environmental officials, requires storm and sewer lines in north Portland to be separated by Dec. 31, 2013. The city could be fined if this deadline is not met.

"The one thing that we know for sure is that no action is not an option," Hosier said. "There is no avenue that we won't go down to pursue funding."

The sewer and storm water lines will be separated north of Votaw Street, mostly between Industrial Park Drive and Meridian Street. Some areas east of Meridian Street and near county road 100 North also will be included in the work.

Vincent suggested that the project utilize some existing lines, which would be the most cost effective for the city at $5,830,000. This estimate only includes construction costs. The other options installing a brand new sewer system at a cost of $8,790,000, and a new storm water system could cost $4,880,000.

City council member Kent McClung asked for more details about how existing lines could be reused, and about the longevity of repaired and new lines.

Vincent said some newer lines could be reused as sewer lines. Some of the existing lines that can be repaired will either be used as sewer lines or storm water lines. He said some lines can easily be repaired with a special lining. He said the lining is cured with steam or hot water, and can be stronger than brand new pipes.

He estimated that the new pipes and the repaired pipes could last about 50 years.

In other business Monday, council members asked for city residents to keep their sidewalks clear of snow and help those who are unable to do the work.

McClung said he has seen several children walking on the streets because the sidewalks are covered in snow.

In a related matter, council member Don Gillespie asked if the city could clear the sidewalks on each side of the Arch Bridge.

Council member Todd Nichols, an employee of the city's street department, agreed to talk to street and park department superintendent Jeff Harker about the matter.[[In-content Ad]]