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Commission approves $965,325 additional state water funds for Lafayette Utility System sewer project
Summary
The commission approved an additional $965,325 in water sector funding to Lafayette Utility System after bids came in substantially higher than earlier estimates; the system will provide matching funds to maintain the original local match percentage.
The Water Sector Commission on Sept. 17 approved an additional $965,325 in state water sector funding for Lafayette Utility System’s sewer project after staff and system representatives explained that bids came in far above earlier estimates.
Brad Eldridge of Lafayette Utility System and consultant Chris Reshar told the commission that one project in the grant originally estimated at about $1.2 million received bids in 2023 near $5.3 million. The utility rebid a value‑engineered version in August 2025 with an updated estimate of $1.8 million, but the bid returned at about $2.8 million. The utility said it will supply additional local match — $733,647 in total —so the local match percentage remains at roughly the originally intended level.
Chairman Zeringue moved to approve the additional funding; members voiced no objection and the motion passed.
Why it matters: The increase brings the original grant from $1,314,800 to a revised total of $2,280,125, a 73.4% increase over the original award for that project component. The commission’s packet noted the increase triggers Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget (JLCB) review where required, and the commission approved the request consistent with program rules.
Commissioners asked about value engineering and scheduling; the applicant said work had been rebid and the chosen contract will be a one‑year construction contract, with staff indicating the phase‑1 ARPA dollars could be obligated and expended within the program timeline.
Ending: The commission adopted the additional award and asked staff to proceed with the normal contracting and reporting steps, including any required JLCB review.
