WHITE CITY, Ore. – Slayden Constructors, Inc. has been selected to lead a significant upgrade project at the Regional Water Reclamation Facility in White City, managed by the City of Medford. The upgrades are being made in response to new environmental standards issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which require stricter limits on phosphorus and nitrogen discharges into the Rogue River.
The project, which is estimated to cost $302 million, will play a critical role in ensuring the facility meets the new regulatory requirements. The facility serves several communities, including White City, Central Point, and Eagle Point, and is a key part of the region’s wastewater treatment infrastructure.
The City of Medford has announced that funding for the project will come from a combination of sewer revenue bonds and a $148 million low-interest loan from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The project’s budget includes more than $19 million allocated for design and permitting, while an additional $115 million has been proposed for future construction costs.
As part of the project, sewer treatment rates for residents in the service area will gradually increase over the next few years. These rate hikes are necessary to cover the rising costs associated with the upgrades. The rate increases are as follows:
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July 2023: $8.90 to $9.79 (an increase of $0.89)
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July 2024: $9.79 to $10.77 (an increase of $0.98)
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September 2024: $10.77 to $11.45 (an increase of $0.68)
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July 2025: $11.45 to $13.40 (an increase of $1.95)
The City of Medford has set a timeline to finalize plant designs by September 2026, with construction set to be completed by September 2028. Once completed, the facility is expected to meet all new DEQ standards by September 2030, ensuring the long-term health of the Rogue River and compliance with the state’s water quality regulations.
The upgrades come at a time when environmental stewardship and the protection of natural resources are increasingly becoming a priority for communities across the state. With these improvements, the Regional Water Reclamation Facility will continue to serve as a crucial component in maintaining the area’s wastewater treatment capabilities while helping to protect the Rogue River ecosystem for generations to come.