Sealy council directs study to expand BNPW park retention pond, improve downstream storm sewers

Sealy — The Sealy City Council voted to ask Strand to prepare a task order to design expansion of the BNPW Park retention pond and related downstream stormwater conveyance upgrades after receiving updated cost estimates for work intended to reduce flooding in the Allens Creek watershed. The council specified the base bid plus the downstream bid alternative and said the city or county would arrange removal of excavated material rather than leaving that responsibility to the contractor. The motion passed by voice vote. Why it matters: Councilors said the project, together with a separate Austin County GLO CDBG flood mitigation project, would reduce frequent flooding in neighborhoods immediately south of the existing pond and is funded from previously issued certificates of obligation. What the council approved: Strand’s update described two major components: deepening and enlarging the BNPW Park retention pond by excavating about 245,000 cubic yards of material, and upsizing and deepening the pond outfall, storm sewer pipes, manholes and intake structures along Sunset Avenue and Westview Terrace Drive.…