Cottage Grove awards water utility extension contract to H and J Construction

In the heart of Cottage Grove, city officials gathered under the bright lights of the council chamber, ready to address pressing infrastructure needs that affect the community. Among the key discussions was the awarding of a significant contract for the extension of water and wastewater utility lines on South Sixth Street, a project aimed at enhancing local services.

Public Works Director Faye Stewart presented the details of the bidding process that began on June 9, 2025. The city had invited contractors to submit bids for the project, which involves extending utility lines 100 feet from Hillside Market to McKinley Avenue. The deadline for bids was set for July 1, 2025, and the response was robust, with six bids submitted.

The bids varied significantly, with H and J Construction emerging as the lowest bidder at $114,290.50. Other bids included Wildish Construction at $129,803, River Bend Construction at $133,073, and Pacific Excavation at $144,587.20. Two additional bids from ML Hawk Construction and Owen Construction were higher, at $168,510.50 and $185,136.19, respectively. However, both of these bids faced disqualification due to missing required documentation.

After careful review, Branch Engineering recommended awarding the contract to H and J Construction, citing their compliance with all necessary requirements and their status as the most competitive bidder. This decision marks a crucial step forward in improving Cottage Grove's infrastructure, ensuring that residents have access to reliable water and wastewater services.

As the meeting progressed, the council's focus on infrastructure underscored a commitment to enhancing community welfare, paving the way for future developments that will benefit all residents of Cottage Grove.