City of Burns to receive $3.5 million for water project

Burns, Or (Released by the City of Burns)-The City of Burns is pleased to announce that the city’s
Water System Improvement Project has been included in a bill written by U.S. Senator
Jeff Markley. The announcement lists the City of Burns in the top three funded projects,
championed by Senator Merkley and Senator Wyden, for $3.5 million. Senator Merkley
chairs the Senate Appropriations subcommittee, and drafted the bill to fund top Oregon
priorities, including essential community-initiated projects across the entire state.

Burns City Manager Dan Brown submitted the Congressional Directed Spending request
to Senator Merkley in early April, outlining the need to replace 30,000 square feet of aging
water distribution pipes throughout the City of Burns. Many of the city’s water pipes are
100 years old, and leaks have become prevalent in the water system. The $3.5 million will
be used during the construction phase of the water project.

The city is also receiving $773,000 towards the project from an awarded Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) that was submitted by the city in March. The CDBG
grant and Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund (SDWRLF) grants will cover up to
$2.5 million toward the project. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $8.2
million, with a total of $6 million now being grant funded. The design of the project will
commence immediately.

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Elkhorn Media Group