News Update: Reservoir Construction Finally Gets Underway

Work starts quickly

The phase one contractor, Nutter Corporation, was given the final go-ahead to start work. Crews immediately began setting up traffic control, the disturbance area fences, tree protection fences, erosion control, stormwater facilities and re-routing sections of the Holgate and Goldfinch trails. Work also got underway on necessary road improvements and stormwater holding facilities.

The dump trucks start rolling on September 28. About 30 to 40 trucks per hour will leave the butte headed to the Knife River Gresham Quarry, near SE 190th Ave. and SE Division St. Construction work hours will normally be from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Longer work hours and Saturday work may be necessary. Notices will be posted if there are any schedule changes.

Alternate parking sites will come soon

To proceed with the reservoir work, on September 21 the contractor closed the park’s entry road and parking lot to the public. This step was taken before the temporary parking lots could be established. Crews are working as fast as possible to complete the new parking lots at: SE Holgate Blvd. near SE 136th Ave. and at 14424 SE Center St. Limited public “dawn to dusk” parking is now available at SE 148th Ave. at SE Center St.  Once built, the lots will be closed in the evening hours and patrolled by Water Bureau Security and Portland Police Bureau officers.

Efforts are currently underway to find immediately available nearby parking sites that could be leased. The Water Bureau apologizes for any inconvenience.

City officials get digging started

The Portland Water Bureau held a groundbreaking ceremony on August 18th to commemorate the start of construction on the city's second reservoir at Powell Butte Nature Park. Under a 90 degree summer sun, Mayor Sam Adams, Commissioner Randy Leonard, Portland City Auditor LaVonne Griffin-Valade, Water Bureau Administrator David Shaff, Portland Parks & Recreation Director Zari Santner, and Water Bureau Chief Engineer Michael Stuhr, PE, spoke to the crowd about the City's careful planning of the new reservoir.

Mayor Adams welcomed the project as a step toward meeting the increasing need for Portland's excellent Bull Run water. Commissioner Leonard touted how the project will employ an estimated 1,500 people in numerous capacities to complete the work by 2013. 

Shaff and Stuhr thanked some of the many people who were involved in the 13-year public process that has led to both the new reservoir and planned park improvements. Santner praised the cooperation and partnership of the Water Bureau and Parks in making Powell Butte an important asset to the city.