Newport Mayor Advocates For Big Creek Dam Funding

Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan provided virtual testimony to the Oregon State Legislature’s Joint Committee on Ways and Means. His testimony was in support of the City’s request for the Big Creek Dam project. He asked for $2-million dollars to complete the design and regulatory planning to replace sole city water source, the Big Creek Dam in Newport.  

He told the committee that this project is critical for the city. Water from the dam is imperative for not only the residents, but also for the visitors as Newport has a large tourist industry. It’s also imperative for the fishing community and fish processing, the scientific facilities and the development of new housing.

He pointed out that the failure of the big creek dam would jeopardize the north and south

lanes of travel on highway 101 for months if not years. It will not withstand an earthquake. Completion he said will require federal assistance, bonding and grants to cover the cost of construction. The current request of 2-million will help to complete the design in phases so the city will be shovel ready. The dams at Big Creek have be declared unsafe since 2011. In the 2021-2023 biennium the legislature allocated 14 million in lottery funds for design and permitting. This is almost complete but rising costs have increased the cost by nearly 2 million. The city has invested nearly 6 million on the project and he asked the state for their help to bring the dam replacement project to completion.