About the Project
The Brooks-Hopmere Community Water and Wastewater Feasibility Studies
The Brooks-Hopmere Community is an unincorporated community consisting of homes, commercial and industrial businesses, and public facilities and uses. The Community is a thriving area and its importance to the Marion County region, both as an economic hub and residential area, has long been established. As the area continues to grow, work is being done to ensure its health and viability endures. In that vein, two feasibility studies have been conducted to look at ways to improve the water system and the wastewater system that serves the community into the future.
In 2019, Marion County worked with a team of consultants to conduct the first phase of a fresh Future Vision for Brooks-Hopmere, which assessed the existing conditions of the community and established a vision for the future. The results of Phase I are documented in the Brooks-Hopmere Future Report, adopted in 2021, which established a vision and associated action items for the Brooks-Hopmere community. (Visit the Project Documents page to see the adopted Future Report, the 2000 Community Plan and other supporting information).
Further evaluation of community water and wastewater systems was identified as a key tool to understand how to best serve the existing and future needs of the Brooks-Hopmere community. Therefore, the Marion County Board of Commissioners approved a Phase II of planning for the Brooks-Hopmere area, with a focus on the completion of feasibility studies for community water and wastewater systems.
The two feasibility studies - the Drinking Water Improvement Project and the Wastewater Facilities Planning Study - evaluated options and made recommendations for each system. Phase II also includes community outreach to inform and gather opinions from the community and potential system users. The studies will guide the County in making strategic investments to best serve the existing and future needs of the Brooks-Hopmere communities and allow for continued economic activity and growth in the area.
Join us for an open house about future water and wastewater service!
Marion County and its project team have evaluated options and prepared recommendations for how to best serve the existing and future water and wastewater service needs of the Brooks-Hopmere community. Please drop-in any time from 5:30-7:30 to talk with the team and learn more about these recommendations.
Open House Flyer (link)
Project Objectives
Marion County and their consultants will work closely with residents, businesses, property owners, and other local organizations to explore existing conditions and opportunities to meet the water needs of the community.
The objective of Phase I was to understand existing conditions and future visions, which will continue to inform and solicit feedback from the community in Phase II.
The primary objectives of Phase II are to:
Examine the feasibility of creating improved community water and wastewater systems, crucial infrastructure for growth and new opportunities in the Brooks-Hopmere Community.
Identify needed steps and costs to implement the new systems.
Engage community members and stakeholders in the planning and evaluation process.
Project Schedule
1) Studies: Water And Wastewater Systems Feasibilities
Existing Facilities Evaluation and Projections – September – October 2023
Alternatives Evaluation – October – November 2023
Recommended Improvements – December 2023 – January 2024
Draft Water and Wastewater Feasibility Studies – mid-January – April/May 2024
Final Water and Wastewater Feasibility Studies– March – July 2024
2) Community Engagement
Open House – June 26, 2024, Open House Flyer (link)
Presentation of Feasibility Studies to County Board of Commissioners – January, April, and June 2024
Website and Listserv Updates – Ongoing
Project Area
The feasibility analyses in Phase II will primarily focus on the Brooks-Hopmere Community as delineated by the Brooks-Hopmere Community Plan. Areas outside of the community boundary may also be included as necessary. Outreach will include the area within the boundary and adjacent areas to it as well.
The map shows the Brooks-Hopmere Community Plan Boundary. The community is generally defined by River Rd. NE to the west and 57th Avenue to the east, including the Brooklake/Interstate-5 interchange.