Gresham/Rockwood’s ongoing efforts to bring a groundwater system online has gotten a $3 million jolt thanks to a federal grant.
The city of Gresham and Rockwood Water People’s Utility District each received a $1.5 million grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will aid the expansion of the local Cascade Groundwater System that is taking the place of the Portland Water Bureau/Bull Run Reservoir by 2026.
“We’re using this funding to help expand our local groundwater system and provide a high-quality, resilient drinking water source for the people we serve in East Multnomah County,” said Mike Whiteley, water division manager for Gresham. “By owning and operating our own groundwater system we’ll be able to provide greater rate stability and service to our customers.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant is awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency through Business Oregon and The Oregon Health Authority’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The funding will be used by both agencies for the purchase and installation of Manganese Water Filtration systems.