City manager reports progress on Dalles Watershed Act; Q Life gets preliminary BEAD award
September 22, 2025 | The Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
City Manager Klebs reported to the council on Sept. 22 that federal and regional advocacy has advanced two items the city is tracking: the Dalles Watershed Act and a preliminary award to regional broadband provider Q Life.
Klebs said legislation submitted by Rep. Cliff Bentz, referred to as the Dalles Watershed Act, would facilitate a land transfer intended to clarify ownership of the watershed and help the city better manage Crow Creek Dam. He said the bill “is continuing to move forward slowly but surely,” and staff remain engaged with congressional and federal partners.
Klebs also reported that Q Life received a preliminary award of about $10.45 million from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment) program to expand fiber in the region; the award is pending final confirmation from NTIA. Klebs said the award is part of Oregon’s submission to NTIA and that more information will follow once NTIA finalizes awards.
Klebs added that staff have engaged regionally on other topics including agricultural and forest-management impacts, and that local training—such as the city’s local government academy—continues to be offered to build civic capacity.
Ending note: Klebs invited questions and said staff will report back as federal processes progress and as the city receives final word on the BEAD award.
Klebs said legislation submitted by Rep. Cliff Bentz, referred to as the Dalles Watershed Act, would facilitate a land transfer intended to clarify ownership of the watershed and help the city better manage Crow Creek Dam. He said the bill “is continuing to move forward slowly but surely,” and staff remain engaged with congressional and federal partners.
Klebs also reported that Q Life received a preliminary award of about $10.45 million from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment) program to expand fiber in the region; the award is pending final confirmation from NTIA. Klebs said the award is part of Oregon’s submission to NTIA and that more information will follow once NTIA finalizes awards.
Klebs added that staff have engaged regionally on other topics including agricultural and forest-management impacts, and that local training—such as the city’s local government academy—continues to be offered to build civic capacity.
Ending note: Klebs invited questions and said staff will report back as federal processes progress and as the city receives final word on the BEAD award.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
