City Notices Roundup: Water Infrastructure Updates and New Transportation Rules
Official City Notices Roundup: February 20, 2026
Today, the City of Portland and Multnomah County have issued several critical updates regarding utility infrastructure, transportation regulations, and public health services. Residents are encouraged to review these notices for potential impacts on daily commutes, utility billing cycles, and upcoming opportunities for public testimony on city policy.
Water Bureau: Bull Run Filtration Project Cost and Timeline Update
The Portland Water Bureau has announced a significant revision to the cost estimate for the Bull Run Filtration project, which is now projected at $2.56 billion. The $450 million increase is primarily attributed to land-use permitting delays and the rising costs of construction materials and labor. In conjunction with this financial update, the City has officially requested a two-year extension from the Oregon Health Authority to meet federal drinking water regulations. If granted, the new deadline for delivering filtered water to the region would shift to September 2027. Officials emphasize that despite the cost increases, the project remains essential for addressing Cryptosporidium risks and ensuring long-term water safety for all customers.
PBOT: Public Comment Period for Automated Vehicle Regulations
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is currently seeking public feedback on proposed updates to four major administrative rules, most notably those governing Automated Vehicles (AVs). As AV technology becomes more prevalent in urban centers across the country, the city is proposing a new regulatory framework to manage the testing and commercial operation of for-hire automated vehicles on Portland streets. Other rule updates being considered involve driveway operations, multimodal incentives, and right-of-way encroachments. A hybrid public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, at 6:00 p.m. The Bureau will continue to accept written public comments via official channels through March 20, 2026.
Multnomah County: Adult Care Home Program Rule Revisions
The Multnomah County Adult Care Home Program has published a Notice of Intent to Adopt Proposed Rules. These updates to the Multnomah County Administrative Rules aim to align local standards with recent state legislative changes, specifically those introduced by Senate Bill 739. Key modifications include updated requirements for house policies and revised inspection timelines for newly licensed care facilities. The official public comment period is active today and is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Service Advisory: Water Bureau System Maintenance
Residents are advised that the Portland Water Bureau has scheduled essential system maintenance for Saturday, February 21, 2026, between 4:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. During this eight-hour window, the online billing portal will be unavailable. While customers will be unable to view their accounts or process payments online during this time, the 24-hour automated payment phone line will remain operational for those needing to manage their accounts.
Regional Travel: I-84 and Columbia River Gorge Construction
The Oregon Department of Transportation reports that a series of safety improvements and maintenance projects are officially underway along the I-84 corridor. Travelers heading east from Portland should expect intermittent lane closures and travel delays at fifteen different on- and off-ramps through the Gorge. Work crews are currently focused on lighting upgrades, sign replacements, and vegetation management. Additionally, a five-day road closure for hazardous tree removal is anticipated for the end of the month.