Reservoir, pipeline project in Malaga moves toward construction

MALAGA — The Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority is moving forward with a major water infrastructure project in Malaga, approving the first phase of construction tied to long-term industrial growth in the area.

Port commissioners at the Confluence Technology Center on March 24 authorized staff to solicit bids for a project that includes two large water reservoirs and several miles of new transmission and supply lines.

The project — estimated at just over $15 million — will add two 750,000-gallon reservoirs and roughly 8,000 feet of 18-inch water main, along with reconstruction of Wallace Road, which will be impacted by the installation.

“As Jim [Kuntz, Port CEO] mentioned, we are ready to go out to bid with our first of four large infrastructure projects in Malaga,” said Stacie De Mestre, the Port’s Director of Economic Development & Capital Projects.

De Mestre said the work is part of a broader group of water system improvements planned for the area, where infrastructure demands have grown alongside new industrial development.

Funding for the project is tied to a development and reimbursement agreement associated with data center development in the area. Earlier estimates placed the cost closer to $13.5 million, though updated engineering estimates now put the project at just over $15 million.

“We are still comfortable that we will be able to deliver all these projects under our $41 million cap,” De Mestre said.

The reservoirs will be located above the Malaga area, with transmission lines extending from West Malaga Road down Joe Miller Road and along Wallace Road. In addition to installing the new water lines, the Port plans to fully reconstruct Wallace Road following construction, in what they called a win for residents in the area — Wallace is a county road that had no plans for any upgrades.

DeMestre said the Malaga Water District has reviewed the plans at multiple stages and approved the current design.

Commissioners expressed support for moving the project forward without additional discussion before voting unanimously to authorize the bid process.

“I would move to authorize CEO to solicit bids,” said Mark Spurgeon, making the motion to proceed.

The Port expects to advertise the project for bids on April 9, with bids due May 5. Commissioners anticipate awarding a construction contract on May 12, with work beginning in June and completion targeted for April 2027.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media