06/01/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Scotts Mills Secures $2.36 Million for Critical Water System Improvements
The City of Scotts Mills has secured $2.36 million in funding through the Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority (OIFA) to complete critical improvements to the City's drinking water system.
The funding package includes a $425,000 grant and a $1,935,000 low-interest loan that will allow the City to address long-standing infrastructure needs identified in its recently completed Water Master Plan.
The City's 2025 Water Master Plan identified critical deficiencies within the water system and prioritized improvements needed to maintain service reliability, improve fire protection capabilities, and ensure the long-term viability of the City's drinking water infrastructure.
The project will improve the reliability, safety, and long-term sustainability of Scotts Mills' water system through the decommissioning of the City's aging lower reservoir, installation of new pressure-reducing infrastructure, replacement of approximately 8,100 linear feet of aging water main, installation of new fire hydrants, and other related system improvements. These upgrades are designed to enhance system reliability, improve fire protection capabilities, and ensure continued service to residents for years to come.
"These improvements represent one of the most significant investments in our water infrastructure in decades," said Mayor Paul Brakeman.
City Manager Robin Fournier emphasized the importance of the project to the community's future. "This funding will help ensure that Scotts Mills residents continue to have access to a safe, reliable water system while addressing infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life. For many years, the City has worked diligently to maintain aging infrastructure while planning for the significant improvements needed to support our community. This project allows us to address critical needs today while investing in the future of Scotts Mills."
"We recognize that infrastructure projects of this magnitude require careful planning and responsible financial stewardship," Fournier said. "Securing a substantial grant along with favorable financing terms allows the City to move forward with improvements that would otherwise be difficult for a community of our size to accomplish."
The City will now move forward with final engineering design, regulatory approvals, and construction planning. Construction activities will proceed following completion of the design and permitting process, with the project expected to be completed within the timeline established by the funding agreement.
"The City appreciates the partnership and support provided by the Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority, Business Oregon, and the Oregon Health Authority throughout this process," Fournier said. "These improvements will strengthen our water system, improve reliability, and help ensure continued service to our community well into the future."
Residents will continue to receive updates as project design and construction schedules are finalized.
For additional information, please contact:
Robin Fournier
City Manager
City of Scotts Mills
PO Box 220
Scotts Mills, OR 97375
[email protected]
(503)873-5435
