The Secondary Treatment Expansion Program (STEP), a $515 million investment in the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant that enhances its efficiency, reliability, and resiliency, is a leading example of how infrastructure investments can serve a dual purpose: protecting public health and the environment while building our next-generation workforce.
Investing in the Next Generation of Tradespeople
Since November 2020, more than 163,000 apprentice hours have been logged on the project. Of those hours:
- 48% were completed by minority apprentices (over 78,000 hours),
- 21% were completed by female apprentices (over 35,000 hours).
“These aren’t just training hours. It’s an opportunity to develop valuable skills into a lifelong career while leaving a mark on one of our region’s largest infrastructure projects,” said Muriel Gueissaz-Teufel, Engineering Manager for STEP. “By investing in people, we’re investing in our region’s future workforce—one that Environmental Services and other agencies will rely on to deliver the next generation of critical infrastructure projects.”
Building Infrastructure and Careers
For apprentices on the project, the experience has been about more than just building infrastructure; it's been a launchpad for their careers.
Olga Khvorostukhina, an apprentice electrician and member of IBEW Local 48, is working for Christenson Electric on the project:
“Being part of this project so early in my career has been an incredible opportunity,” said Khvorostukhina. “I’ve received a lot of strong support while working on the project and working on an industrial site like this isn’t something most apprentices get to do right away. It’s been amazing.”
Buddy Romero, a recent graduate of the apprenticeship program affiliated with Operating Engineers Local 701, completed his training on STEP while working with Kiewit:
“I had a great experience on the STEP project,” said Romero. “I was always supported and encouraged to ask questions, and I learned so much from the experienced people around me. It’s been a great place and opportunity to grow my skills as an operator.”
A Model for the Future
As the City of Portland and other agencies make large-scale investments in critical infrastructure across the region, the success of STEP offers a powerful blueprint—not just for delivering essential public works, but for growing the skilled, diverse workforce needed to build them.
“STEP shows how we can align public investment with public benefit,” said Priya Dhanapal, Deputy City Administrator of Public Works. “By prioritizing workforce development, we’re not only delivering critical infrastructure—we’re expanding access to good careers and creating long-term value for our communities.”
About Environmental Services
Environmental Services - the City of Portland’s sewer and stormwater utility - protects public health and the environment by collecting and recovering resources from the city’s wastewater, managing stormwater, and restoring and protecting Portland’s rivers, streams, and watersheds.