Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Project Cost Overrun topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves $1.5 million additional Water Sector funding for Lafayette utility project
Summary
The Water Sector Commission approved a $1.5 million increase to a Lafayette utility sewer project after the utility increased its local match to more than 92% of the total project cost.
The Water Sector Commission approved an additional $1,500,000 in program funding for a Lafayette utility sewer project, raising the total grant for that application from about $6.614 million to roughly $8.114 million.
Brad Eldridge, wastewater operations manager for LUS, and Chris Richard, the project engineer, told commissioners the single remaining project in a four‑project grant package came in about 33% over budget. Lafayette increased its local contribution by about $2,000,467, raising its match commitment from 76% to roughly 92.4% to cover most of the overrun.
Commissioners reviewed the steps LUS took to limit costs, including value engineering and shifting internal budgets. Senator Reese moved to approve the request; Representative Reiser and other members voiced support and the motion passed by voice vote without recorded objection.
LUS said the four projects combined serve a large system, with the utility estimating roughly 15,000–20,000 customers served by the system. LUS also reported it had adopted a rate study and is implementing a multi‑step rate increase to help cover costs.
The commission noted the high local match commitment in approving the additional funding.
