The city of Burns is pleased to announce that its Water System Improvement Project was included in a bill written by U.S. Sen. Jeff Markley.

The announcement lists the city of Burns in the top three funded projects, championed by Merkley and U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, for $3.5 million. Sen. Merkley chairs the Senate Appropriations subcommittee, and drafted the bill to fund top Oregon priorities, including essential community-initiated projects across the entire state.

Burns City Manager Dan Brown submitted the Congressional Directed Spending request to Merkley in early April, outlining the need to replace 30,000 square feet of aging water distribution pipes throughout the city of Burns. Many of the city’s water pipes are 100 years old, and leaks have become prevalent in the water system. The $3.5 million will be used during the construction phase of the water project.

The city is also receiving $773,000 toward the project from an awarded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that was submitted by the city in March. The CDBG grant and Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund grants will cover up to $2.5 million toward the project. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $8.2 million, with a total of $6 million now being grant funded. The design of the project will commence immediately.