Site work and new construction of a water / sewer project in Ashland, Oregon. Design plans call for the construction of a water / sewer project; and for site work for a water / sewer project.

The reconstruction of the new plant to serve the Ashland community will cost between $55 to $75 million. The treatment plant will be able to treat 7 million gallons of a day (MGD) of freshwater, with an expansion capability of up to 9 MGD. City Public Works Department staff project this capacity will be adequate to supply Ashland residents and businesses for the next 100 years. As of November 15, 2024, authority to issue water revenue bonds passed on November 5, 2024.The resolution grants the City authority to access this funding through the EPA for its construction of the water treatment plant, addressing crucial water infrastructure needs. An Engineer of record has been identified and estimates it will take 30 months to complete the full construction of the new plant. The new facility is planned on a city-owned, 80-acre parcel at 1111 Granite St., across Ashland Creek from the swimming hole at the south end of Lithia Park. Only 4.5 acres of the parcel will be used for the treatment plant; the remainder will remain in its current state—heavily forested and steeply sloped. Construction could start as early as next spring if EPA approves the loan. EPA will conduct an environmental review, as required by the National Environmental Protection Act, before approving any funding. The city will pursue up to $63 million in grants from state and federal agencies which would reduce the amount that would need to be borrowed. The city’s water fund currently has $18.5 million in reserves that could also be used for the project and other water system updates.