Portland spent tens of millions of dollars during construction pause at filtration site

Portland's Water Bureau spent about $80 million during a four-month construction pause at a $2. 1 billion water filtration site due to a legal appeal from local neighbors. The project aims to treat water from the Bull Run watershed, with costs escalating from an estimated $500 million in 2017. Legal fees, site security, and equipment rentals contributed significantly to the expenditures during the delay. Neighbors first appealed the project approval in December 2023, arguing a misapplication of county code.

In early 2025, the Land Use Board of Appeals partially sided with the opponents, prompting the city to halt construction. Interim director Quisha Light stated that the city is reviewing the financial impacts of the delay and will provide updates in the fall. The community group opposing the project plans to file another appeal, citing potential environmental harm. Light reassured that the filtration plant is essential for public health and resilience against natural disasters.