City Council tackles urgent flood safety funding challenges

In a recent government work session held on July 17, significant discussions centered around the urban flood safety and water quality initiatives in the Portland metro area. Council President Owen led the meeting, which included updates on the levee system that protects approximately 8,000 residents and critical infrastructure from flooding.

The meeting highlighted the progress made since March regarding the reaccreditation of the levee system, which spans from the Sandy River in Troutdale to the Penn one area. Following a notification from the Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA in 2013 about the inability to recertify the levees, a coalition of 30 organizations formed the \"Levee Ready Columbia\" initiative. This effort has been pivotal in securing funding and governance structures necessary for the ongoing flood safety projects.

Key developments included the approval of a general obligation bond by voters on May 21, which passed with a 69% majority. This bond, amounting to $150 million, is part of a broader funding strategy that includes $295 million needed for capital projects. The funding sources also involve a commitment from the state legislature to provide an additional $45 million over the next several biennia.

The meeting also addressed the operational and maintenance (O&M) funding required for the newly established Urban Flood Safety Water Quality District, which officially replaced the legacy drainage districts as of July 1. The O&M budget is projected to have a gap of $6.2 million, which will be addressed through a new flood safety benefit fee, previously referred to as a privilege tax. This fee will be allocated based on population within the urban growth boundary of Multnomah County.

As the district prepares for its first quarterly payment due in September, the council acknowledged the need for a budget adjustment resolution to accommodate this new fee, which was not included in the existing biennium budget. The discussions underscored the importance of ongoing collaboration and funding to ensure the safety and resilience of the region against flooding.