The city of Medford, in Oregon, has officially launched construction on a major overhaul of its Regional Water Reclamation Facility, marking what local authorities describe as one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the Rogue Valley's history.
The $330 million project will modernise the facility to comply with updated environmental requirements while maintaining uninterrupted wastewater treatment services for Medford and the surrounding communities it serves.
The works are a direct response to a revised discharge permit issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in August 2021, which introduced more stringent limits on total phosphorus and total nitrogen under the federal Clean Water Act. The existing facility is unable to meet these new standards without substantial physical upgrades.
"These improvements are required to meet updated environmental requirements, and we're committed to delivering them in a way that protects the Rogue River while being responsible stewards of public resources," said Interim City Manager John Vial at the groundbreaking ceremony, attended by project partners, regional stakeholders, and community members.
The city is delivering the project in partnership with Slayden Constructors, West Yost, Black & Veatch, and Carollo Engineers.
Funding combines utility rate revenue with long-term financing instruments. A key element is a $147 million low-interest loan secured in December 2025 through the US Environmental Protection Agency's Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) programme, which the city says will help reduce overall project costs. The investment is also supported by utility rate adjustments coming into effect on 1 July 2026.
