The Keizer City Council has approved a contract with K & E Excavating Inc. for the Claggett Creek Wetland Enhancement Project — a major step toward improving local water quality, restoring natural floodplain functions by removing an artificial barrier, enhancing native wildlife habitat, expanding passive recreation opportunities, and supporting educational programming. This project also advances the City’s compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements.

The $1,193,330 project includes the excavation and removal of approximately 1,460 cubic yards of material, installation of 7,753 square feet of concrete sidewalk, 500 linear feet of boardwalk, landscaping, and erosion control.

The project site encompasses 5.78 acres of city-owned property along the east side of Claggett Creek, between Chemawa Road and Dearborn Avenue. This land was acquired by the City of Keizer through deed transfers and purchases. Public Works staff identified an opportunity to enhance the existing wetland for environmental benefit while also creating a public space for walking and learning.

Three bids were received and opened on May 15, 2025, with K & E Excavating submitting the lowest responsive bid. The engineer's estimate and budget allocation for the project was $1.2 million. Funding for the project is included in the City Council-adopted FY 2025–2026 Stormwater Fund budget, with $200,000 temporarily borrowed from the Transportation Improvement Fund. Repayment is scheduled over the next two fiscal years.

“This project reflects our commitment to sustainability, community access, and responsible stormwater management,” said Bill Lawyer, Public Works Director. “By improving the natural function of the wetland and providing a safe, enjoyable public space, we’re achieving multiple community goals at once.”

Construction is expected to begin later this year and be completed in November 2025.    

For more information, contact:
City of Keizer Public Works Department
 (503) 390-3700
www.keizer.org