Numerous Infrastructure Projects Planned for Next Budget Year May 26, 2022
The Coos Bay Budget Committee recently met and approved next fiscal year’s budget which will begin on July 1, 2022. The approved 2022/2023 budgets (City and Urban Renewal) include over $16 million for capital improvements to streets, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure within the city.
The City’s street infrastructure includes 130 lane miles of asphalt road, 14 lane miles of concrete road, 23 lane miles of gravel road (including alleys), and 11 public parking lots. Utilizing a combination of funds to include State Gas Tax, Transportation Utility Fees, both Empire and Downtown Urban Renewal funds, and Jurisdictional Exchange funds, among other sources, the following street improvement projects will be undertaken this fall:
- N. Wasson Street Rehabilitation - This project is located between Newmark and Schetter Avenues. It is approximately 480 feet in length and 35 feet in width and includes a grind out and overlay.
- Michigan Street Rehabilitation - This project is located between Empire Boulevard and Cammann Street. It is approximately 1,174 feet in length and 35 feet in width and includes a grind out and overlay.
- LaClair Street Rehabilitation - This project is located between Newmark Avenue and Ocean Boulevard. It is approximately 1,557 feet in length and 35 feet in width and includes reconstruction and grind out.
- N. 14th Street Reconstruction – This project is located between Myrtle and Nutwood Avenues. It is approximately 430 feet in length and 35 feet in width and includes a total reconstruction.
- Anderson Avenue Street Rehabilitation - This project is located between Broadway and Bayshore Avenues. It is approximately 115 feet in length and 40 feet in width and includes a grind out and overlay.
- Central Avenue Rehabilitation - This project is located between N. 11th Street and Ocean Boulevard. It is approximately 950 feet in length and 12 feet in width and includes a grind out and overlay.
- Alder Street Reconstruction - This project is located between Broadway and Bayshore Avenues. It is approximately 180 feet in length and 35 feet in width and includes a total reconstruction.
- 9th Avenue Road Repair (lagoon road) - With the failure of the lagoon road which is a critical piece of the water quality infrastructure, the repair will maintain ability to remove biosolids from the treatment process.
The City’s wastewater Infrastructure includes 26 pump stations, approximately 90 miles of pipe, two water quality treatment plants (one in downtown and the other in Empire), and sludge disposal system in Eastside. The following water quality infrastructure projects are scheduled to be undertaken this fall:
- Wastewater Treatment Plant 2 Chemical Feed System - This is for the construction of a permanent chemical feed system at plant 2. The design is complete and much of the construction is being performed in-house, with expected completion by the end of August.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant 1 Upgrades Final Design - Major upgrades are planned for plant 1, including a new secondary clarifier and chlorine contact basin, and upgrades to the electrical system, control systems and the chlorine distribution system. This design will be in progress for the remainder of the year and into 2023.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant 1 Operations Building Remodel - This is complete remodel of the operations office area. Design has just begun, and the construction has not yet been scheduled.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant 1 Headworks - This is a replacement of the screening system at plant 1, with immediate commencement and expected completion by the end of June. This is the first step in the treatment process and will reduce maintenance and improve process for the plant.
- Collections and Maintenance and Office Remodel - This is complete remodel of the collections and maintenance office area. The project is nearly halfway done and is expected to be complete by the end of July.
- Pump Station 6 Upgrades - This is for the complete reconstruction of pump station 6. The design is complete, and the project is being advertised in June.
- Pump Station 9 Upgrades - This is for the complete reconstruction of pump station 9. The design is complete, and the project is being advertised in June.
- Pump Station 12 Upgrades - This is for a partial electrical reconstruction of pump station 12. The design is currently underway.
- Pump Station 13 Upgrades - This is for a partial electrical reconstruction of pump station 13. The design is currently underway.
- 5th Street and Bennett Avenue Storm and Road Reconstruction - This is for the complete reconstruction of the storm sewer and road at the intersection of 5th Street and Bennett Avenue.
Continuing to invest and improve in the City’s infrastructure is a high priority of the Council. Sadly, the $16 + million dollars won’t fix or upgrade all streets or the entire water quality infrastructure system. Some of our roads are a century old and it is hard to believe that some of the underground pipes are around 90 years old. Pump stations have a lifespan of anywhere from 20 to 30 years and with 26 of them, we are replacing or upgrading at least one a year. While nearly $24 million was invested in a new wastewater treatment plant in Empire just a few years ago, the bones of the treatment plant in downtown is over 60 years old. Plans are underway to undertake a number of major upgrades at the downtown treatment plant over the next decade. The Council is committed to stewardship of our infrastructure. While there aren’t enough resources to keep everything in pristine condition, with your help, the City persists with road improvements and updates to the water quality systems which serve us all.