MAYOR'S MESSAGE Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Complete I am pleased to share the successful completion of the City’s $24 million Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade located at 680 Ivy Avenue. This important infrastructure project represents more than two years of dedicated construction work and reflects a long-term investment in protecting the health, safety, and environmental integrity of our Bay and our community. While facilities like this often operate quietly in the background, they are among the most critical systems that keep a city strong. Wastewater infrastructure protects public health, safeguards our Bay, supports local businesses, and ensures that homes and neighborhoods function safely every day. In a coastal community like ours, dependable treatment systems are essential to environmental stewardship, economic stability, and long-term resilience. This newly upgraded facility includes construction of a new chlorine contact basin and secondary clarifier, significant electrical and integration improvements, and installation of a new backup generator. These enhancements modernize the plant’s operations, strengthen system reliability, and ensure continued compliance with increasingly stringent state and federal water quality standards. The addition of backup power also enhances our preparedness during storms and emergency events, ensuring uninterrupted service when our community needs it most. Strong infrastructure is the foundation of a resilient city. It allows us to weather challenges, adapt to changing regulations, protect our environment, and continue providing reliable services to our citizens. Projects like this demonstrate our commitment to responsible governance and to making thoughtful investments that will benefit generations to come. The improvements increase the plant’s loading capacity and incorporate a more refined disinfection system that will serve Coos Bay for decades to come. The facility treats wastewater flows from the eastern side of the city, including Eastside and Bunker Hill areas, making this upgrade essential to supporting both current residents and future growth. By planning ahead and investing wisely, we are building infrastructure that can accommodate development while preserving the natural resources that define Coos Bay. I would like to recognize McClure and Sons Inc., the project contractor, and Jacobs, the engineer of record, for their professionalism and commitment throughout construction. The City proudly served as the resident project representative, with staff from our Engineering and Water Quality Divisions onsite daily from commencement through completion. Their dedication ensured careful oversight, quality workmanship, and responsible stewardship of public funds. Infrastructure projects of this scale may not always be visible, but they are essential to the strength, safety, and resilience of our community. We are proud of this achievement and confident that this upgraded facility will serve Coos Bay well into the future. On behalf of the City Council and City staff, thank you for your continued support as we invest in the systems that keep Coos Bay strong. -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos BayPhotos from Coos Bay - City Government's post