The Utility Policy Committee of the City of Kalamazoo on May 8 voted 7-0 to support oversizing a water transmission main on Westnidge Avenue, a project the city says will cost about $2,140,000 for the water portion and is part of a larger corridor project estimated at $12,000,000.

Committee members and city staff said the work will create a redundant 24-inch transmission line to Blakeslee Reservoir and eventually allow the city to take an older 1930s-era 20-inch line out of service. James Baker, City of Kalamazoo staff member, told the committee: "the cost for the water main is, about $2,140,000." He described the work as coordinated with street projects, sanitary sewer work and Arcadia Creek improvements.

The committee was told the project timeline extends through 2027 and 2028 for the main sections. Baker said developers and federal street grants are covering much of the broader street project costs; he reported developers are contributing about $6,000,000 to that section of work. Baker also said the city plans additional inspections north of the work area, including a robotic internal inspection of an older larger-diameter pipeline.

Supporters said the oversize improves system reliability and resilience. Baker said the Blakeslee Reservoir holds about 7.5 million gallons and that without redundancy a catastrophic break on the older line could trigger system-wide pressure loss and a water advisory. "Redundancy and resiliency of the system is really important for us as we look into the future," Baker said.

Motion and votes: Peter Heffner moved to support the oversizing as described; Tom Weep seconded. The committee voted 7 to 0 in favor.

Committee members also noted the project is in the capital improvement plan; staff said budgets may be adjusted as bids and funding sources change.

The committee did not detail bid awards or construction start dates at the meeting. Staff encouraged member communities to review the capital improvement plan and contact the city if township-level projects or timing need to change.