Detroit Reservoir Drawdowns and Shelter Recovery Program Top City Agendas

When Salem City Council meets on Monday, February 23, they will get an update on City efforts related to the planned deep drawdowns of Detroit Reservoir and, acting as the Salem Housing Authority, be asked to approve a lease for six transitional Housing Units and $250,000 to be used for a pilot Shelter Recovery Program.

The Salem Housing Authority, Urban Renewal and the City Council will meet starting at 6 p.m. at Loucks Auditorium. The meeting will also stream live on YouTube.

Drawdowns

The US Army Corps of Engineers plans to lower reservoir water levels to ease movement downriver of migrating fish. The first drawdown is expected to take place in late 2026, with annual drawdowns planned afterward. To prepare, the City is improving the resilience of its water supply by developing new groundwater wells at Geren Island, speeding up maintenance of slow sand filters, and installing a temporary pump station at an intertie with the City of Keizer.

Shelter Recovery Program

Salem Housing Authority is starting a pilot Shelter Recovery Program at Redwood Crossings. They plan to dedicate six apartment units and $250,000 from City of Salem Opioid Settlement Funds for fiscal year 2022-2023. These funds will support the pilot program at Redwood Crossings.

The program provides housing, treatment and recovery support for individuals with opioid use disorder and related conditions. Services include housing assistance, transportation, education, job training and childcare. The funds stem from national settlements addressing the opioid crisis and are strictly designated for remediation efforts.

Also on the Agenda

Other items on the meeting agendas include:

• Proclamations for Women in Construction Week and the Englewood Park Centennial
• A lease for six transitional housing units at Redwood Crossings (Salem Housing Authority)
• Du jour borrowing for urban renewal (Salem Urban Renewal Agency
• An agreement between the City and the Salem Housing Authority for Opioid Settlement Funds to be used at Redwood Crossings
• Purchase of Fabry Natural Area