Surface Water Project News – Summer Update

Thanks for visiting the City of Bend’s Surface Water Improvement Project website.

Project staff provided a cost update to the Bend City Council in early September and reported that the pipeline and intake facility components of the Surface Water Improvement Project are $5.9 million below budget. Savings are largely due to project bids from contractors that came in below projected estimates.

In July, the Forest Supervisor for the Deschutes National Forest, John Allen, signed a decision to issue a Special Use Permit to the City of Bend for use of Forest Service lands for planned improvements to the City’s surface water intake facility and replacement of the City’s aging water supply pipelines. The Forest Service concluded that the use of Forest Service land for the project is the option which best protects the environment and the public interest. In issuing a Special Use Permit, the Forest Service provided the rational that “The dual-source water supply satisfies the City’s obligation to provide a safe and reliable water supply that meets current and future demands as well as maximizes the long-term energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and operational flexibility of the City’s water supply system.” You can find more details in the Forest Service’s press release.

Construction of the pipeline and intake facility is scheduled to begin in October 2012. Forest Service Road 4603 is expected to be closed starting in late September to prepare for construction. The road will remain closed to all traffic until early summer 2013. Mortenson Construction and City staff will be hosting a public meeting this fall to discuss construction impacts, detours, and schedule with the community and stakeholders.

Check the project website regularly for information updates.

Sincerely,

Heidi Lansdowne
City of Bend Project Manager