The BIA has committed $358,000 for repairs at the Warm Springs water treatment plant. “I would say these are critical, needed repairs,” said Alyssa Macy, chief operations officer.
Meanwhile, the Indian Health Service and Housing and Urban Development are working with the tribes on a longer term solution to the domestic water system serving the tribal residents and businesses.
Some of the $358,000 from the BIA could be used to purchase one more pump for the treatment plant, said Roy Spino, tribal Utilities water and wastewater engineer.
The plant also needs a better heating, ventilation and cooling system, Mr. Spino said. The HVAC system is needed to keep the electronics at the plant at the proper temperature, he said.
The treatment plant is 30 years old, and the control panels, for instance, date back to the original time of construction. The BIA funding could help with upgrades to the control panel and computer system that operate the plant.
Utilities and tribal Planning are also working on a water meter installation project. Last year they completed a grant-funded engineering report, and now can use the report to seek a grant for the purchase and installation of the meters.
Some neighborhoods—Simnasho, Greeley Heights and Sidwalter, for instance—have water meters, while many homes still do not. The water meters can assist in finding the major leakage spots in the system, relieving some of the burden on the treatment plant.
Speaking with Tribal Council on Monday, Ms. Macy also gave an update on the Children’s Protective Services building renovation, and the downtown abandoned building demolition project.
Both are on schedule, and plans are being made for phase 2 of the building removal.
The CPS building will not only see the complete remodel, but will also have new furniture. A goal is to have a type of furniture and the beds that create a home environment for the children, Ms. Macy said.
