Economic Contributions and Benefits of the Bull Run Treatment Projects

Prepared for the Portland Water Bureau, this report documents the economic contributions and benefits of the Bull Run Treatment Projects. ECONorthwest evaluated the economic contributions of the project using the input-output modeling software IMPLAN for the planning, design, and construction period as well as from annual operations once the projects is complete. The Water Bureau is upgrading the Bull Run water system with a water filtration facility, new pipelines, and an improved corrosion control treatment facility to protect public health and meet federal drinking water regulations. Construction of the Bull Run Treatment Projects will provide an influx of investment into the region. The estimated $840 million (in 2019 dollars) in costs for planning, design, and construction will support direct economic activity and contribute to secondary economic activity as the funds recirculate through the local economy. The approximately 10-year planning, design, and construction period for the Bull Run Treatment Projects will support approximately 4,600 jobs in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties. The improvements achieved through the Bull Run Treatment Projects will make Portland’s water system more resilient to turbidity resulting from wildfires, earthquakes, landslides, heavy storms, or other events — potentially avoiding or minimizing future service disruptions and boil water notices. In addition, the Bull Run Treatment Project will provide community benefits, improve public health, promote cost savings for business operations, and offer educational benefits.