Council OKs Alternate Contracting for Franzen Reservoir Upgrades

The Franzen Reservoir's liner and cover are overdue for replacement. The City of Salem plans to use an alternate contracting method designed to reduce risk, improve efficiency and decrease replacement time by as much as two years.

The Salem City Council approved an exemption to the competitive bidding process that will allow the use of the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contracting method.

Though similar to the method used in construction of the Salem Police Department building and earthquake strengthening of the Salem Public Library building, this process is tailored for complex public works projects. It allows contractor involvement during the design phase to provide key input on cost, schedule, material procurement and constructability elements that will improve design and save time.

Franzen Reservoir, built in 1952 and located in Turner, is the primary reservoir for most of Salem's water system. It holds about 95 million gallons of water in two cells when completely full. The reservoir serves as a buffer between water treatment at the Geren Island Water Treatment Facility and distribution to customers by managing water release flows based on changing water supply needs and system conditions.

The best times for the construction are in the fall and spring, between the high-use summer irrigation season and winter, when risks of storms can result in the need for reservoir adjustments.

An assessment of the reservoir's cover and liner in 2021 indicated both require replacement. Total cost of the project is estimated at $25 million-$30 million and will be paid for through utility revenues from water payments. The project is expected to be completed in January 2030.