JRMA Selected for Deschutes County Diversion Facility Planning Project

Portland, OR (July 18, 2025) – J. R. Miller & Associates, Inc. (JRMA), a leading architecture, engineering, and planning firm, is pleased to announce it has been awarded a major contract by Deschutes County, Oregon, to provide consultant services for the planning of new diversion facilities, including a material recovery facility (MRF), composting operation, and Construction & Demolition (C&D) processing. The project represents a critical milestone in advancing the County’s sustainable solid waste management strategy.

Building on prior work developing the County’s Diversion Master Plan and Landfill Alternatives Analysis, JRMA will lead a multi-disciplinary team to evaluate, plan, and support procurement for a set of integrated diversion facilities. These improvements are designed to help Deschutes County meet or exceed its 45% recycling goal, enhance disposal cost avoidance ahead of the Knott Landfill’s planned closure in 2031, and support compliance with Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act.

The 32-month scope of work includes:

• Developing updated master plan-level site and floor plans for the MRF, composting, and C&D facilities
• Evaluating facility ownership models and construction delivery methods with input from County staff and elected officials
• Providing financial proformas, a draft financing plan, and modeling rate impacts for residential and commercial customers
• Conducting economic analysis comparing local processing versus transport to Portland-area facilities
• Assisting with the development and review of operating contracts, RFPs, and contractor selection
• Offering technical support for design review, including processing equipment and building systems
• Facilitating coordination with County cities and the Board of Commissioners through regular presentations and work sessions

JRMA will also collaborate with partners Bell & Associates, Swordfish Consulting, Parametrix, and Michael Gross, LLC.

“This project is an exciting continuation of our work with Deschutes County, and we’re proud to support them in developing high-performing, cost-effective, and sustainable infrastructure for the region,” said Kevin McCarthy, Director of Solid Waste for JRMA.