Elected leaders of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and officials from the Indian Health Service (IHS) sign an agreement for the tribe’s $44.5 million wastewater treatment project on Monday, August 26.
The ceremonial signing will take place at 12:00 noon at the Nixyáawii Governance Center to celebrate the $38 million IHS has released from the Sanitation Facilities Construction (SFC) program to improve 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 to secure this critical funding for our much-needed wastewater treatment plant,” said CTUIR Chairman Gary I. Burke. “Once constructed, this facility will allow CTUIR to produce water for irrigation needs while reducing groundwater use from local aquifers. This project will also facilitate economic and community development and housing opportunities on the Umatilla Indian Reservation while limiting the impact on our critical groundwater resources.”
This project is the largest funded by the IHS Portland Area SFC Program. Public Works will operate the facility along Mission Road with the ability to treat up to 1.5 million gallons of wastewater per day. It will also conserve aquifer water by maintaining current demand levels while serving the growing community.
“It is estimated that by 2042, 444,000 gallons per day of recycled water would be available to offset water withdrawals from the regional aquifer,” said Public Works Director Justin Northern. “That is equivalent to the annual allowable water production capacity of two to three additional community wells. The treatment and reclamation process will provide a valuable resource for reuse as Class A recycled water, suitable for watering lawns and gardens, including fruit and vegetable plants.”
“Access to clean water is something many take for granted, but far too many communities in Indian Country still lack access to safe and reliable water and sanitation,” said IHS Director Roselyn Tso. “I have seen firsthand the impact of not having access to these essential services. It is a matter of public health, but also 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, but with limited resources. That’s why the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investment in this infrastructure is so important to improving the overall well-being of our tribal communities.”
Along with the IHS funding, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden helped secure $3 million from the Environmental Protection Agency for the wastewater system project, while the CTUIR will provide $3.5 million.
Construction of the facility is expected to begin in late 2025, with completion scheduled for late 2027.
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