Working to Keep Sewer Rates Affordable
The wastewater infrastructure and facility needs facing our community are expensive. The City has sought and received financial assistance from state and federal sources to maintain affordable sewer rates. Even with grant money and low-interest loans, Sandy’s sewer rates will need to increase. The City’s goal is to maintain affordability and avoid significant rate increases.
STATE AND FEDERAL FINANCING
Sandy has aggressively pursued free and low-cost financing from the State and Federal governments to save money for ratepayers. The project is currently fully funded, thanks to the following programs:
- Sandy was awarded a $14.7 million grant by the Oregon Legislature. The funding is part of the $2.6 billion awarded to the State of Oregon as part of the American Rescue Plan passed by Congress in 2021.
- Sandy has received nearly $25 million in low-interest financing from the US EPA's WIFIA program. WIFIA financing carries low interest and favorable repayment terms, saving the City significant money.
- Sandy has been authorized for $67.5 million in low-interest loans from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
SEWER RATE INCREASES
To pay for Sandy Clean Waters, rates need to rise. Information on the comprehensive utility rate adjustments adopted by the Council at their meeting on 6/20/23 is available here.
Sandy also has a Utility Bill Assistance Program to assist lower income households.
DEVELOPMENT PAYS ITS FAIR SHARE
Sandy’s new commercial and residential development projects pay a one-time System Development Charge (SDC) to purchase wastewater system capacity. Sandy's current wastewater SDC amount is $6,126 per single family home, up from $1,834 before wastewater improvements began.
