White Salmon council to consider $650K water infrastructure payment
White Salmon, Wash., April 12, 2026 — A more than $650,000 payment tied to a major water infrastructure project will come before the White Salmon City Council on Wednesday, April 15, highlighting the scale of investment required to support future growth and maintain essential systems.
The council will meet at 6 p.m. at 119 N.E. Church Ave., with a Zoom option available using Meeting ID 828 0209 6489 or by phone at 1-253-215-8782.
At the center of the agenda is a consent item authorizing a payment of up to $650,770.38 for work associated with the city’s transmission main replacement project, according to materials in the meeting packet.
That project — designed to replace aging infrastructure and expand water system capacity — is funded through a Washington State Public Works Board loan, along with a 12.4% grant component, according to the packet. The investment reflects ongoing efforts to modernize the city’s water system while accommodating future development.
Water infrastructure is one of the primary constraints on housing and commercial growth. Expanding system capacity can open the door to new development, but it also requires significant upfront costs that must be financed and repaid over time.
At the center of the upcoming City Council meeting is continued work tied to the city’s transmission main replacement project — a large-scale upgrade replacing aging 14-inch pipe with a 20-inch system designed to increase water capacity and reliability. The project, already impacting key corridors like state Route 141, represents a significant capital investment aimed at supporting future growth while addressing aging infrastructure. Click here to read about Jewett Blvd. closure and detour route.
In addition to the infrastructure payment, councilors will consider a budget amendment that adjusts city finances to reflect current project needs and expenditures. Budget amendments typically align spending authority with active projects and funding sources, ensuring the city can legally disburse funds tied to capital improvements.
Supporting documents in the packet outline the funding structure and project scope, emphasizing both the necessity of replacing aging systems and the importance of maintaining reliable service.
The meeting will also include routine business such as approval of the consent agenda and staff updates. An executive session is listed on the agenda, which is typically reserved for matters involving legal issues, personnel or property negotiations.
