By Witt Anderson, Mayor, and Andrea Rogers, City Manager

Mosier, Ore., Aug. 27, 2026 — As we’ve all witnessed, there has been significant construction activity this summer on multiple projects.

Union Pacific Railroad continues work on the three-mile-long siding, or “second track.” At times, the noise and lights from nighttime work have been frustrating. We continue to communicate with Union Pacific and its construction contractors to seek ways to minimize these impacts.

It is important to note that local land-use laws and procedures, both city and county, do not apply to this project. As a result, we do not have the authority at the local level to enforce specific practices or outcomes. All work is currently scheduled to be completed by spring 2027.

Several city projects are also nearing completion, including Well No. 5, the wastewater treatment plant upgrade and the Jacobs Park skatepark.

Well No. 5 strengthens water system

The new well, located on Mosier Creek Road and funded through federal grants and a loan, was recently approved for use by the Oregon Health Authority. This is a major addition to the city’s water system and will make the system more robust during both normal operations and emergencies.

One additional improvement is permanent backup power generation at Wells 4 and 5. Well 4 is our normal source of water. The city is seeking other funding sources to install backup generators at two booster pump stations, East Reservoir and Mosier Bluffs, which are also components of the water system.

Wastewater plant receives major upgrade

With $2.5 million in federal grant funding, the city is undertaking a major reconstruction and upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant, which was originally built in 2008.

The improvements will make the plant more efficient and reliable, reduce solid-waste byproducts through biogenic applications and lower operating costs.

Jacobs Park skatepark nearing completion

Main Street Mosier obtained a grant from Oregon Parks to build the skatepark at Jacobs Park. This new community asset is now substantially complete, with a grand opening scheduled for Sept. 12.

Operating rules designed to promote safety and protect the site are posted at the park. As a community, we can all help ensure the skatepark remains a safe and successful resource for everyone.

Rock Creek Park fee system to be replaced

Many of you know that we have been operating Rock Creek Park without user fees this summer. We were unable to obtain critical gate components because the system manufacturer went out of business.

Fortunately, state-of-the-art replacement systems are available, and we are currently obtaining quotes. Our goal is to have the system operational again by next season and to establish a fee structure that allows the city to recover the costs of operating the park.

Mosier Center plans being reconsidered

We were not successful in securing state funding during the most recent legislative session for the Mosier Center project, also known as the Joint Use Facility.

In the meantime, the Mosier Fire District has been investigating the possibility of building a fire facility on county land adjacent to the existing Fire Station 12 on State Road. The city, in turn, has begun considering alternative designs and smaller footprints for a community building at the Joint Use site on Highway 30.

More information will follow as the Fire District and city learn more from these respective efforts.

City finances remain stable

Finally, at its August meeting, the City Council received a fiscal year-end report from Finance Manager Monica Morris.

Overall, the city’s year-end financial position is stable, with service revenues meeting expectations and most major project spending remaining below budget.

Looking ahead, we will continue to monitor several key areas, including declines in pooled cash and investments, funds with lower or negative ending balances, and the costs of sewer operations.

As always, citizen comments and input are welcome at City Council meetings or by email or phone. Contact information is available on the city’s website.

Column: Message To The Residents of Mosier