Friday, December 05, 2025
30.0°F

Infrastructure improvements continue in Ephrata

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 8 months, 1 week AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | March 27, 2025 2:05 AM

EPHRATA – Developments are continuing to take place in Ephrata as the city embarks on infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing community resources and ensuring the reliability of essential services.  

Ephrata Mayor Bruce Reim recently provided insights into ongoing initiatives, including the construction of a new water tower, road maintenance efforts, and a sewer system evaluation, all part of the city's commitment to investing in its future. 

"Our new water tower is rising,” he said. “Once complete, it will stand about 150 feet tall with 19 rings, and as of today, eight rings are in place.”  

The mayor highlighted the progress made thus far, with teams working to ensure the structure is completed by the anticipated deadline in October.  

Following the completion of the water tower, Reim said some fine-tuning would still be necessary before it becomes fully operational. This includes exterior painting and decisions about local design elements.  

"We're still discussing what will be put on the exterior of the water tower. Everybody’s talking about it, but we haven’t finalized anything yet," he said. 

In addition to the water tower, the city is in the midst of a spring cleanup that involves a comprehensive approach to road maintenance.  

"We’re sweeping the roads, painting the crosswalks, and getting it ready for summer activity," Reim said.  

Reim said the goal is to ensure the city is presentable for residents and visitors. 

Road maintenance efforts are accompanied by a crack seal project that resumed after the winter months. 

"This essential maintenance helps extend the life of our roads by sealing small cracks before they become bigger issues," Reim said. 

Although there will not be any major road closures associated with this project, minor traffic detours may be in place. 

Along with these improvements, Ephrata is undertaking a sewer lining project aimed at assessing and repairing the city’s sewer system. Reim said that contractors have been inspecting sewer lines using advanced technology to evaluate their condition.  

The inspection process will help pinpoint areas in need of repair, ensuring that the city can address any vulnerabilities swiftly and maintain an effective system, according to a statement from the city.  

Reim expressed gratitude to Ephrata residents.  

"We appreciate your patience and support as we continue investing in Ephrata's future,” he said. 

    REIM
 
 


ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON

Mayor Peter Sharp takes oath of office
December 5, 2025 1:15 a.m.

Mayor Peter Sharp takes oath of office

SOAP LAKE – Grant County Commissioner Kevin Burgess adminstered the oath of office to Mayor Peter Sharp Wednesday. Sharp was previously appointed to this role at the Sept. 18, 2024, council meeting after his predecessor Allen DuPay quit during the Aug. 7, 2024, meeting.

Newhouse, colleagues introduce infrastructure bill
December 4, 2025 4:55 p.m.

Newhouse, colleagues introduce infrastructure bill

WASHINGTON D.C. — On November 21, 2025, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers introduced the Urban Canal Modernization Act, HR 6279, aimed at addressing the deteriorating condition of urban canal infrastructure across the country. This legislation, sponsored by Representatives Dan Newhouse, R-WA; Mike Simpson, R-ID; Adam Gray, D-CA; and Russ Fulcher, R-ID focuses on providing federal support for the extraordinary operation and maintenance of urban canals deemed to be at significant risk of failure. “As communities in Grant County and elsewhere face serious risks from aging canal systems, it is imperative that we act now to ensure vital water infrastructure is maintained and upgraded,” Newhouse wrote in a statement. “The Bureau of Reclamation’s canals are in dire need of repairs, and the surrounding communities who rely on them would be at risk if they were to fail. This legislation provides local authorities with additional resources to manage these critical pieces of infrastructure while protecting the people and property around canals of concern.”

Ephrata water tower waiting for final tests
December 3, 2025 6:30 p.m.

Ephrata water tower waiting for final tests

EPHRATA — The City of Ephrata is still waiting for the final testing to come back to the water tower. The city had originally hoped the tower would be connected to the water system by Thanksgiving; however, the intensive water testing is taking longer than anticipated.