Community Momentum and Funding Strategy Highlighted at Morrow County Clean Water Consortium's August Meeting

The Morrow County Clean Water Consortium (CWC) met on August 19th, 2025, to discuss the latest in the county’s efforts to hook up the West Glen neighborhood to clean, municipal water.

Stakeholders from across Morrow County gathered for a lively and insightful discussion about the challenges and opportunities in ensuring safe, affordable drinking water, especially for the West Glen neighborhood.

The nearly two-and-a-half-hour meeting showcased both the technical difficulties and the strong collaborative effort fueling the region’s water planning initiatives. A key focus was a recent feasibility memo, which evaluated four alternatives for West Glen’s water supply. Unfortunately, none of the non-municipal options met all the necessary criteria for a true community-wide solution: effectiveness, affordability, comprehensiveness, and legal viability. While residents still have the freedom to pursue private solutions, such as filtration or deeper wells, extending the City of Boardman’s water system remains a promising option, pending community consensus.

Despite some potential setbacks, funding discussions are moving forward. West Glen is on track to receive $2.8 million in state capital funding, secured by the CWC through Oregon’s lottery bond process. If the community supports a municipal hookup, these funds could substantially lower the cost for residents.

CWC also shared its strategic framework for water funding and infrastructure development. The consortium shared its upcoming goals, which include developing a scope of work, drafting a funding strategy report, applying for grants and identifying CWC project priorities, as well as creating a project roadmap.

The total funding across Morrow County for public and private water infrastructure plans is significant, at over $50 million, including $17.5 million for the Irrigon extension, $29.5 million for the Boardman extension and additional investments needed for private systems and co-ops. To meet this need, CWC is actively pursuing a mix of funding sources like Technical Assistance Grants, Community Development Block Grants, Economic Development Administration, Congressionally Directed Spending and state capital requests.

Stay up to date on future CWC meetings here.