To meet the demands of potential growth in east Klickitat County, the PUD is building a water and sewer system in Roosevelt. When complete, the new infrastructure will provide 100 residential water and sewer hookups.
Water distribution from a new reservoir and wastewater collection at a new treatment facility will serve 20 current residences, Roosevelt School and another 80 undeveloped lots on platted land in West Roosevelt.
"This will be a state-of-the-art system," says Mike Wellman, PUD Water and Wastewater Engineering and Operations Manager. "It will make a good fire-fighting system that's not normal for a town this size."
The project began in 1994 at the request of the Roosevelt Community Council, who cited inadequate water supply for area homes. There was also a need for developing local housing for employees of Rabanco Regional Disposal Company and Harris Farms - a Roosevelt orchard operation still in its infancy, capable of supporting a large work force in the future.
Although the PUD is managing the $2 million construction project, funds raised for the new water and sewer system came from an interagency collaboration. Roosevelt Associates, a partnership between Rabanco and Harris Farms, contributed $125,000, the U.S. Forest Service provided a $250,000 grant and Klickitat County added a $225,000 grant. The county Resource Development Department also was fundamental in securing a state Community Trade and Economic Development block grant for $749,000.
"The county really stepped up and was very helpful in obtaining that grant," Mike says, noting the county was the recipient of the grant and deferred administration of funds to the PUD.
The balance of project funding comes from two zero-interest loans from the state Public Trust Fund, which will be paid back with capital from Roosevelt water and sewer rates.
Project construction began this spring and is expected to be complete by next summer.
"Right now, we're working on the final plans and specifications for the treatment plant," Mike says, adding the design for water distribution is already done. "We wanted to get the project started so we could give citizens better water quality before the project is complete."
Four industrial filters were added at the Roosevelt pump house to improve the town's water supply by removing manganese, iron and sulfur gas. The pump house itself will be expanded to hold one large pump, capable of producing up to 1,000 gallons of water per minute in case of a fire emergency, and another smaller pump to serve residential needs.
Construction of a 100,000-gallon reservoir finished in May. The 25-foot high structure is similar in design to three other PUD reservoirs with proven structural integrity.
Water department field supervisor Doug Miller, technician Howard Sinor and heavy equipment operator John Moore connected a 10-inch intake pipe to the reservoir, which draws water from a nearby well. A 6-inch main line distributes water throughout the system.
"We've used our own forces where appropriate," Mike says. "Because the system is so small, we're very sensitive to annual operational costs and we're building it with simplicity of operation in mind."
The PUD envisions growth in Roosevelt and the new system will have room to expand. Mike estimates the reservoir and treatment facility - which replaces settling ponds built in the late 1960s - could support a maximum build out in both North and West Roosevelt up to 600 residences.
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Last updated: 12/2009
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