TD Council has $266 million in decisions to make tonight, Dec. 9
The Dalles Water Treatment Plant known as Wix on Mill Creek Road in The Dalles. City Councilors are looking to forge ahead on a major rebuild of the treatment plant and distribution pipes in a $259 million investment over 20 years.
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., Dec. 9, 2024 — The Dalles City Council has a full agenda tonight as it delves into expanding urban renewal expenditures by some $6 million and considers a $259 million master water plan that would make generational investments into the potable water system during the next 20 years.
The significance of the decisions will have long-lasting effects on the direction of development in The Dalles while also providing intense capital to ensure safe drinking water for the next 75 years.
The meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. tonight, Dec. 9 at The Dalles City Hall, 313 Court Street. Click here to watch it live.
The city is looking to Google funds and rate increases to redevelop the Wix Water Treatment Plant as well as replace distribution pipes downstream of the plant among other major projects.
Read more about the plan here starting on page 229.
Meanwhile, the Columbia Gateway Urban Renewal Agency has already spent $26.8 million during the past 25 years and is projected to hit its $29 million limit in 2026, according to City Economic Development Director Dan Spatz. It is also on track to pay off all its debt in the same year.
Increasing the spending limit will take support from 11 local boards and The Dalles City Council.
Urban Renewal money comes from 11 local taxing districts by taking a percentage of those taxing district assessments. Those districts are Wasco County, City of The Dalles, Port of The Dalles, Northern Wasco County Parks and Rec., Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue, Wasco County Soil & Water, Wasco County 4-H Extension, Wasco County Library District, Northern Wasco County School District, Columbia Gorge Community College and Columbia Gorge ESD.
