From: Amy Kyle, Clackamas County Water Environment Services, 503-742-4561 or akyle@co.clackamas.or.us
Date: 3-19-09
Media
and Interested Parties
Clackamas County approves plan for sewers in the North
Clackamas Revitalization Area
In the face of strong support from the community, earlier today the Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners approved the formation of an assessment district in a major portion of the North Clackamas Revitalization Area (NCRA) into Clackamas County Service District No. 1 (CCSD #1), following a second public hearing.
This decision will allow this area that is still reliant on septic systems to be provided sanitary sewer service. Currently a significant portion of the community - more than 1,300 properties - does not have the option of connecting to the public sanitary sewer system.
The NCRA,
Several residents testified in favor of the assessment district formation and, though opposition was minimal, some voiced concern about the timing of this project given the current economic situation.
In response Commissioner Charlotte Lehan said, “This is an opportunity for the County to create economic stimulus in our community. By moving this project forward we will be putting money in the pockets of local businesses and contractors that are desperate for work.”
“There might be opportunities to tap into stimulus funds we can take advantage of now that may not be available in the future,: said Commissioner Jim Bernard.
“The Board of County Commissioners recognizes the hardships currently facing the citizens in this area, but there is a desire to balance the needs of the community. All we can do is make sure this project is successful and the associated costs are as minimal as possible to the citizens,” concluded Commissioner Bob Austin.
With the assessment district formation process completed, Water Environment Services staff will proceed with final engineering design. The first phase of the project is estimated to begin in late summer 2009.
For more information, go to www.clackamas.us/wes/ncra.jsp, or contact Kathy Frasier at 503-742-4566 or Kathyf@co.clackamas.or.us. More information about the NCRA is available at www.clackamas.us/transportation/renewal/northclack.htm, or by contacting Ken Itel at 503-742-4324 or kennethhit@co.clackamas.or.us.