Description
The City of Carlton’s wastewater collection system is one of the most essential services we provide to our community. It plays a critical role in supporting the city’s health and environment.
To address aging infrastructure, the city sought federal funding to replace deteriorating sewer lines. Thanks to the support of our U.S. Senators and Representatives, Carlton was awarded $2.2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending on December 23, 2022, for the FY23 federal fiscal year.
Many of the sewer lines scheduled for replacement were originally installed in the 1920s and are constructed of vitrified clay and concrete pipe with mortar joints. After nearly a century of use, these aging pipes allow significant rainwater infiltration, especially during storms. This inflow frequently overwhelms the City's pump station and treatment plant—pushing daily flows up to 2.5 million gallons during heavy rain events. For comparison, Carlton’s wastewater treatment plant is designed to handle just 450,000 gallons per day. To address the treatment plant hydraulic and biological capacity issues, the City is currently upgrading the treatment plant with the help of a $5.8 million state grant. That work is underway and scheduled for completion in January 2026.
The $2.2 million federal grant is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The City has completed the required pre-construction steps and obligated the funding. Construction is anticipated to take place from August 2025 through May 2026. The City is responsible for performance, MBE/WBE, financial, and post-award procurement compliance reports and documentation throughout the project. The EPA reviews and approves all documentation and grant draw requests as construction progresses.
This project will replace critical sanitary sewer lines under Grant and Main Streets and adjacent areas. It also includes paving restoration where work is completed.
An invitation to bid was advertised on June 2, 2025, on both the City’s website and in the Daily Journal of Commerce. A pre-bid meeting was held June 11, and bids were opened on July 2 at 2:00 PM. Eight bids were received.
To ensure efficient coordination with the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) West Main Street paving project—currently scheduled for summer 2026—the City is recommending award of this contract in July. This timing allows us to take full advantage of the 2025 construction season while minimizing disruptions and maximizing cost-efficiency. The project includes five schedules:
Schedule 1 – West Main Street. Includes wastewater work, road base repair and paving in the north travel lane of W. Main St.
Schedule 2A – Main Street Highway wastewater work.
Schedule 2B – Pine Street wastewater work.
Schedule 3 – Grant Street (Base Bid) wastewater work
Schedule 4 – Street Improvements. Includes sidewalks on the North side of W. Main St, sidewalks on the West side of Cunningham St, and paving on W. Grant St.