The Port Orchard City Council voted to authorize the mayor to execute a professional services agreement with Consor North America Inc. for design work on the Old Clifton intertie project in the amount of $998,934. The work covers preliminary design through 60 percent, permitting and bid support; final design and construction will require future budget actions.

City staff said the Old Clifton intertie will strengthen the water system by constructing a booster pump station, pressure-reducing valve facility and installing roughly 5,800 feet of 12-inch water main to connect the city’s 580 pressure zone to the 390 zone and the McCormick water system. The project aims to improve source redundancy and reduce dependence on outside providers.

Staff noted the $998,934 contract is funded from a $1,000,000 public-works loan already in place and that the city has a pending application for $5,000,000 in additional funding; if that application is unsuccessful another funding cycle opens in November. Council discussion clarified the contract covers design to 60 percent only and additional funds will be needed to complete final design and construction. Staff estimated the project could be operational in roughly two years, with construction contingent on securing further funding.

Councilmembers emphasized the project’s importance for water reliability and asked technical questions about routing and coordination with other infrastructure work, such as the Anderson Hill roundabout. Staff said they would coordinate timing to minimize repeated street disruption.