The Port Orchard City Council approved a professional services agreement with Consor North America Inc. for $998,934 to complete preliminary design up to 60% for the Old Clifton intertie project, city staff said.

Public works staff explained the intertie will strengthen the city’s water system by constructing a booster pump station, a pressure-reducing valve facility and installing about 5,800 feet of 12-inch water main along Southwest Old Clifton Road. The work will link the city’s 580 pressure zone with the 390 pressure zone and reduce reliance on outside water providers, staff said.

City staff said the approved contract covers preliminary design through 60 percent, permitting and bid support; final design and construction services would be addressed later — and the city has a pending $5 million funding application that could cover remaining design and construction costs. Staff noted a public-works loan currently funds $1 million for initial design and that the city expects decision on a larger funding application in October; another funding cycle opens in November if needed.

Council discussion clarified the scope: the design does not include separation from the Bremerton system, which is a separate set of projects. Staff said construction could begin as soon as funding is secured, but the city estimates about a two-year timeline to an operational intertie, assuming design and funding proceed.

Council approved the resolution to authorize the mayor to execute the agreement after a qualification-based selection process; staff described four firms submitting statements of qualifications, two finalists and interviews before selecting Consor as the most qualified firm. The city noted that state law requires selection on qualifications for professional services and that price is negotiated afterward.

Public works staff said the council would receive future budget amendments for final design and construction when funding is secured.