Board approves $45,000 engineering agreement for Dorchester lift station force main replacement; total project estimated over $900,000

The Nash County Board approved a professional services agreement Sept. 8 with Matt Gay and Associates to provide engineering, bidding, construction administration and closeout services for upgrades at the Dorchester Lift Station in the Northern Nash Water and Sewer District.

Public Utilities Director Mike Phillips said an earlier assessment identified pump performance issues caused by deterioration of the existing lift station and a 6-inch force main. Design plans were submitted to the state in March 2025 and received final approval in June. The recommended agreement covers remaining project tasks including bidding, awarding the work, construction observation, administration and project closeout for a proposed fee of roughly $45,000; Phillips told the board total project construction costs are estimated at about $900,000.

The board authorized the county manager to execute the contract after a motion by Commissioner Davis and second by Commissioner Leggett; the motion passed unanimously. Phillips said available AIA grant funds covered prior planning and design costs of approximately $55,000 and that the AIA funds are now depleted, requiring the county to contract for the remaining engineering work and proceed to construction procurement.

The county indicated the intent to fund construction through the appropriate capital project sources and that staff will return with contract documents and project updates as bidding and procurement proceed.