On Thursday, February 12, the City of Hillsboro Utilities Commission received comments regarding the Hillsboro Reservoir siting study.  The Hearing was well-attended with over 75 people present.  The Consultant gave a brief history of the project to date and then explained the additional analysis work that was performed, per Commission request, after the public provided input at the November hearing.  After the update, the hearing was opened to the public.  Nineteen people addressed the Commission with their comments.

Twenty sites in three areas of town (NW, SW, and SE) have been identified as potential locations for siting three future reservoirs. The three sections of town have been identified as underserved by the City's current two reservoirs.  Previously, six potential sites were identified, but the number was expanded to 20 in hopes of finding three suitable sites with willing sellers.  All 20 sites are very similarly ranked and meet the study criteria.

Peter Martins, project manager for the reservoir siting study, emphasized that securing three future reservoir sites are essential to meeting current and future City water demands, but high priority has also been placed on public participation in the process and finding willing sellers in all three areas.   

Citizens expressed appreciation for the opportunity to provide input to the study and several admitted they were impressed by the amount of research that had gone into the study.  A few speakers identified themselves as either "unwilling sellers" or "willing sellers."    Several people expressed concern over the selection of McKinney School as a potential location, citing safety concerns, neighborhood interests and future school district plans as deterrants.  

The Commission will consider adopting study findings at its next meeting at 1:30 p.m., on March 10, 2009, in Room 113C of the Civic Center. 

 The Hillsboro Reservoir Siting Study (HRSS) is available for viewing by clicking the link below. A copy of the HRSS can also be purchased at the City of Hillsboro Water Department Civic Center location (150 East Main Street) for forty dollars ($40), which covers printing expenses (postage is additional).

Reservoir Siting Study

Information Sheet:     Reservoir Siting FAQ Sheet