IHS leaders sign letter of intent for $44.5 million water project on Monday
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From Native News Online staff
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Elected leaders of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and Indian Health Service (IHS) officials will sign a memorandum of understanding for the tribe’s $44.5 million wastewater treatment project on Monday, August 26.
The signing ceremony is scheduled for noon at the Nixyáawii Governance Center to celebrate the $38 million IHS has provided from its Sanitation Facilities Construction (SFC) program to upgrade the Mission Community’s wastewater system.
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“The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation are extremely grateful to the Indian Health Service for their efforts in securing this critical funding for our much-needed wastewater treatment plant,” said Gary I. Burke, Chairman of the CTUIR. “When completed, this plant will enable the CTUIR to produce water for irrigation purposes while reducing the use of groundwater from local aquifers. This project will also promote economic and community development and the creation of housing opportunities on the Umatilla Indian Reservation while limiting impacts to our important groundwater resources.”
This project is the largest funded by the IHS Portland Area SFC Program. The Department of Public Works will operate the plant along Mission Road and will be able to treat up to 1.5 million gallons of wastewater per day. It will also conserve groundwater by maintaining current needs while serving the growing community.
“It is estimated that 444,000 gallons per day of reusable water will be available in 2042 to offset water withdrawals from the regional aquifer,” said Justin Northern, Public Works Director. “This is equivalent to the annual allowable water production capacity of two to three additional community wells. The treatment and reclamation process will produce a valuable resource for reuse as Class A recycled water suitable for irrigating lawns and gardens, including fruit and vegetable crops.”
“Access to clean water is something many take for granted, yet there are far too many communities in Indian Country that still do not have access to safe and reliable water and sanitation infrastructure today,” said IHS Director Roselyn Tso. “I have seen firsthand the impact of not having access to these essential services. It is a public health issue, but it is also a matter of respect for our Native people. For 65 years, the Indian Health Service has played a leading role in improving water and sanitation for our people, albeit with limited resources. That is why the Biden-Harris administration’s historic investment in this infrastructure is so important to improving the overall well-being of our tribal communities.”
In addition to funding from the IHS, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden helped secure $3 million from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the wastewater system project, while the CTUIR will provide $3.5 million.
Construction of the plant is expected to begin in late 2025 and completion is planned for late 2027.
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